Chamber Coast of Arms

The Chamber Coat of Arms

The coat of arms located above the Speaker’s Chair measures 2.1m by 1.7m and consists of over 20 large ceramic tiles.

The coat of arms was designed to blend in with the walls of the Chamber so as not to draw attention from the important business carried out there. It was designed by Gordon Andrews and made by ceramicists Rob and Rhyl Hinwood.

Like all art works in Parliament House, the coat of arms was designed to last 200 years. The cracks between the tiles are deliberate, as each is designed to clip onto the wall behind for easy removal.

The Australian Coat of Arms

Australia’s coat of arms depicts a kangaroo and an emu (chosen because neither creature can take a step backwards) supporting a shield bearing the arms of the six Australian States. Above the shield is the seven-pointed Federation Star resting on a gold and blue wreath.