10 May 2012 - Exhibition Park Camping Ground, Canberra, ACT

What a delight it was this afternoon to sit outside in our verandah area for our afternoon cuppa. The sun was still shining, the wind was negligible and the temperature was quite bearable. Chris spent untold time setting up this area however we have had little opportunity to enjoy the space, mainly because we have felt too delicate to expose ourselves to the late afternoon temperatures.

We set off this morning back in to the parliamentary precinct, this time returning to the National Library to complete our examination of the treasures held in this huge building. Today we took advantage of the audio self-guided tour complete with headphones and iPod. Once we had mastered how to work the iPod, exposing our ignorance of modern technology, we proceeded into the gallery and completed our viewing of the wonders on offer.

At 11.30 am we joined the guided tour through the special gallery, currently an exhibition about Australia’s celebrated author, playwright and poet, The Life of Patrick White (1912 – 1990). White was the first and only Australian to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, and in that same year, 1973, to be named Australian of the Year. During his life he published twelve novels, two short story collections and eight plays. One of his novels, Voss, was adapted for opera and another, for screen. His last novel discovered in manuscript state has very recently been published. I read a couple of his books way back before I had children, although I cannot recall the story lines or even my level of enjoyment. One of these previously read books, or rather, a recently purchased second hand version, lies in the bookstore under our bed and I am now inspired to make sure it is next in place to be reread.

Galahs in the autumnal maples.

After lunch and now satisfied that we had given the National Library our best shot, we set off across the lawns strewn with fallen brown maple leaves, toward the High Court, the highest court in Australian’s judicial system. Its functions are to interpret and apply the law of Australia; to decide cases of special federal significance including challenge to the constitutional validity of laws; and hear appeals, by special leave, from federal, state and territory courts.

It was here that Lindy Chamberlain was finally vindicated of killing her baby when it was recognised that it was more likely that Azaria had been taken by a dingo. It was here that the Mabo Case, referred to several days ago here in my blog, was settled.

There are seven High Court Judges who hear these cases; seven to hear constitutional cases in Court No 1 and five for others in Court No 2 and 3.

This magnificent building was opened in 1980, earlier cases having been heard in either Sydney or Melbourne.  Again designed by competition winners, this time an Australian firm, it towers 40 metres, all concrete and glass, a wide open airy and light building. Courtroom 1 is seven stories high; the main foyer area, the whole ten stories.

The northern and western walls are graced by lovely art works interpreting the states federation and the special features of those states. Below on the ground floor level, there is an exhibition of art works, currently by Cuban artists, all for sale with mind blowing prices.

Sessions had finished for the day however two courts were open for view. In one we spent time chatting with the guide, a retired school principal who has the excellent job of guiding school tours and the likes of us through this wonderful building and explaining the mechanics of the institution. He works casually, sharing the role with others just like him, and delights in the opportunity to exercise his teaching skills but still be able to call in “otherwise engaged”.

After spending much longer in the High Court building than I had imagined we would, we walked along the lakeside and back past the library to the car park. We were soon back on the road heading home, arriving before 4 pm and in time, as I said, to enjoy al fresco tea.