28 - 29 March 2006

Briefing Day

The other venues for the event are the National Press Club in National Circuit Barton, the National Library of Australia, in Parkes Place (tbc), and the Ottoman Restaurant in Blackall St. All venues are close to Parliament House.

Briefing Day will introduce a range of politicians, journalists and MPs to talk about the best strategies for successful meetings with MPs. It gives all registrants a chance to meet with the person accompanying them to this appointment, and to rehearse the approach you will take.

Registration opens at 8 am, in the downstairs section of the National Library of Australia. Please deposit your luggage at your hotel before arriving. If you are early, there is a coffee shop on the ground floor.

Navigating Parliament House

Parliament House is divided into four parts: the public area; the House of Representatives; the Senate; and the Ministerial Wing. When you enter the main entrance, the northern entrance, you are in the public area. The Reps side is to your left, the Senate side to your right, and the Ministerial section straight ahead.

Each of these four sections has its own door: the Public (north) entrance, the Reps (east) entrance, the Ministerial (south) entrance and the Senate (west) entrance).

The building is on three levels, ground, 1, and 2. Each MP has an office with a number like "RG 23" or "M1 30" or "S2 45".

RG 23 translates as Reps side, ground floor, room 23

M1 30 is Ministerial wing, first floor, room 30

S2 45 is Senate side, second floor, room 45

Things to do between appointments

1. Have a coffee at Aussies

More than just a cappuccino, it's a Parliamentary institution. Ground floor, Senate side.

2. Watch Parliament

Enter both the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers from the Members' Hall on the first floor.

3. Visit the Parliamentary Library

Second floor, Ministerial Wing. Learn how the Library prepares briefing papers for Parliamentarians

4. Bank and Post

First floor, Reps side (near the public entrance)

5. Plan follow-up actions for your MP

Work out how you will contact your MP after the event is over. It could be an invitation, providing information on an issue, or a simple note of thanks.

And Parliament House has an excellent collection of artworks throughout the building. There are usually displays and exhibitions on the first floor. Book in for one of the regular tours of the House (in the Marble Hall, near the public entrance.)