Cabinet Room
Top secret meetings held here.
Location
Main floor
Take a seat at the original table where Cabinet – the prime minister and senior ministers – met to discuss government policies and legislation. Many significant history-making conversations and debates occurred in this room and the high level of secrecy meant that all members of Cabinet could speak freely. The Cabinet Room was also used for national meetings such as Premiers' Conferences and meetings with international delegations.
On the other side of a heavy, soundproof door, junior ministers and officials waited in the anteroom, before being admitted to the Cabinet Room to provide advice or answer questions. Refreshments were also served in the anteroom – a welcome respite during long and demanding meetings.
L to R: Deputy Prime Minister Lionel Bowen, Prime Minister Bob Hawke and Minister for Transport and Communications Gareth Evans in the Cabinet Room in 1988. Photograph by Robert McFarlane, Department of the House of Representatives
Prime Minister Bob Hawke and his Cabinet celebrate the last meeting in Old Parliament House in 1988. The cake, in the shape of the Cabinet table, featured the ministers' names inscribed in icing according to their allocated seats. Photograph NAA: A8746, KN7/12/88/10
The third Whitlam Ministry in the Cabinet Room in 1974. Photograph NAA: A6180, 11/6/74/44
Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and Chinese Vice Premier Chen Muhua meeting in the Cabinet Room in 1979. Photograph NAA: A6180, 8/3/79/1
Plan your visit
The Cabinet Room is located in the Prime Minister's Suite, which has small rooms and some narrow spaces.
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