Houses of Parliament
This was a recent trip I took to visit the Houses of Parliament in Canberra, Australian Capital Territories. The Australian Government convenes there every month, and now with the row over the dual citizenship of elected members of Parliament, things are going to look quite busy in the next few months.
Canberra has a registered population of about 350,000. It has a broad expanse of land, and the centre of the city is the Capital Hill where the Parliament House sits. During our trip there for a couple of days, we took the flight from Singapore to Sydney (7 hours) and then a connecting domestic flight from Sydney to Canberra by propeller plane lasting about 1 hour.
From the airport, we rented a car to drive and we were in the city within half an hour upon arrival and car takeaway. The city centre (correct me if I am wrong) is around the Manuka District (that of the Manuka Honey fame) and the Manuka Circle houses some 30 - 40 shops and supermarket. Its very pleasant during the time we were there and we had a sumptuous breakfast (I believe I had the eggs benedict) when we were there.
Houses along Franklin Street
The avenues are tree lined and during the short visit, I observed the population is mainly white Australian with a sprinkling of Asians and other aboriginal peoples. The houses along Franklin Avenue were modern in design and the restaurants along Manuka Circle were serving multi national food fare.
David standing along Franklin Street
During the visit to Parliament House, I had a chance to view all the portraits of the past Prime Ministers and had a good look at the definitions and roles of the elected Members of Parliament as well as definitions of the roles of mayors and ministers of the Federal Government. Following the Westminister model, all MPs must be elected every 4 - 5 years with the party with the most popular mandate with a simple majority forming the Government. In the event of no party winning the popular vote, then a coalition government can be formed with 2 or even 3 parties coming together to secure the government.
Breakfast along Manuka Circle in lovely autumn weather
The current government I believe is the Labour Party headed by HE Mr. Malcolm Turnbull.Australia is part of the Commwealth group of countries (countries which were colonies of the British Empire until the 2nd world war for most of them). I will have ample opportunity to visit this lovely city again soon and will want to explore more of the outskirts and living opportunities in this sprawled out capital city.
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