Redesign gives a bird's-eye view of MPs in action

Andrew Beattie in one of the new select committee rooms. Picture / Mark Mitchell

New select committee rooms at Parliament mean MPs will for the first time carry out business overlooked by a glassed-in public gallery.

The two purpose-built committee rooms are part of a refit of the temporary debating chamber used during the redevelopment of the House of Representatives.

MPs, officials, journalists and people appearing before select committees will be observed from on high by spectators from a mezzanine which was once the public viewing area.

Several of the existing select committee rooms are small and quickly become cramped if several officials are present, or if there is high public interest in a bill being discussed.

Assistant clerk (select committees) Andrew Beattie said the unusual design would allow tours and educational groups to see a committee in action without interrupting it.

The dividing wall between the two rooms can be removed to transform the space into one big meeting room or function centre. Catering facilities and a smaller meeting room are also features of the $6.5 million refit.

The new rooms will come into use on October 10.