Opening of the 60th Parliament
Parliament Opening
Introduction
The Opening of the Parliament of Victoria by the Governor is a ceremony based on procedure and custom derived from the Opening of Parliament at Westminster by the Monarch. 
The purpose is for the Governor, as the King's representative, to outline in an Opening Speech, the Government’s program for the Parliament. It is the only occasion when the three component parts of the Parliament – the Crown, the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly, join in the presence of one another. 
The Opening ceremony of the 60th Parliament of Victoria is both a guide to the Government’s intentions, and a reminder of the rich history that shaped the Westminster and Victorian parliamentary system. 
Program
Entering Parliament
Entry Times
Please ensure you arrive early, as it may take some time to move through security. We recommend arriving by 9:30 am for the Welcome to Country and by 1:30 pm for the Governor’s Speech.
Lanyards
Parliament staff will greet you on entry and provide a lanyard. Please ensure you wear this lanyard at all times while inside the Parliament building for security reasons.
If you are assigned a red lanyard, you will be admitted to the Council public gallery for the Governor's speech.
If you are assigned a yellow lanyard, you are able to watch the Governor’s speech from Queen’s Hall or Federation Room.
If you would like to swap the red lanyard to another member of your group, you can. Although our team will not be allowing people to swap in and out of the gallery during the speech.
Security requirements
All guests will be asked to go through security screening. We advise leaving larger bags at home to speed up the process. There are certain items that are not allowed in the building, these are listed in the Security section below.
History of Parliament Opening
You can find more information on the origins of the Opening of Parliament.
Getting here
Public transport
By train: exit Parliament station at Bourke Street.
By tram:
- route 35 – stop 0 (Spring St/ Bourke St)
- routes 86, 96 – stop 9 (Bourke St/Spring St).
Parking
There is no public parking at Parliament House.
Street parking and private parking is available in surrounding streets, but please note there is limited parking on Spring Street.
Security
Visitors to Parliament House are required to pass through a security checkpoint before entering the building. This involves a walk-through scanner and baggage scanning. Visitors with pacemakers should ask to be scanned using handheld scanners.
Bags must be left at reception when taking part in a tour or sitting in the public galleries.
Items you cannot bring to Parliament
The following items are not permitted at Parliament:
- weapons
- any types of blades (e.g. Swiss army knives, lock knives, eating utensils), hooks, scissors and other sharps
- liquids over 100ml and glass bottles (except water)
- any alcohol
- 'selfie' camera sticks and camera tripods
- chains and padlocks
- voice recorders, two-way radios and speakers
- handcuffs
- any tools (e.g. screwdrivers, multi-tools, bike tools, measuring tapes, metal rulers)
- helmets (e.g. bicycle and motorcycle)
- whistles
- permanent markers
- aerosols
- jet lighters
- long umbrellas
- balls and balloons
- signs or placards
- studded belts.
Any of the above items will be held by security for the duration of your visit. They will be returned when you leave or may be confiscated permanently in some cases.
More information
If you have any accessibility needs or concerns with security screening, please email security.team@parliament.vic.gov.au or call us on 03 8682 2980 ahead of time so we can accommodate your visit.
Accessibility
Accessible entrance
People with a mobility or physical disability can access Parliament House through the rear entrance on Macarthur Street.
Map
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located on the ground level and level one.
Audio loop
Audio loops are available in the chambers. These can be used in conjunction with hearing aids.
Wheelchair
A courtesy wheelchair is available for visitors attending tours. Please note that we are unable to provide staff to push wheelchairs.
Contact
For any enquiries regarding disability access and inclusion please email disabilityaccess@parliament.vic.gov.au
Social stories
Two social stories are available to accompany a visit to Parliament House. These have been designed for visitors who are neurodiverse who may like to read them in preparation for their visit. One is intended for readers of all ages, the other focuses on the experience of a school visit to parliament house.
Parents
A baby change and feeding room is located on the second floor on the Legislative Assembly side. Facilities include comfortable chairs, change table, basin hot and cold water, a fridge and a microwave.