PM Transcripts

F76/ 198
AU'ITKAI. lA
FOR PRESS 24 September 1976
COMMITTEE ON OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENTS
An independent Committee on Official Establishments has
been appointed to advise the Government on the maintenance,
operation, conservation'and longer term improvement of
the four official residences of the Commonwealth Government.
These official establishments are Government House, The Lodge,
Kirribilli House and Admiralty House.
Kirribilli House is used chiefly for distinguished guests
from overseas. Admiralty House has been the Sydney home
of the Governor General for a long time.
The Ccwnittee will advise on the proper conservation of the
four es: ablisments economically and in a fashion that
enhances history of early Australia.
They are : art of the National. Estate and it is essential that
they be conserved in a way that ensures and enhances their
aesthetic and historic significance. Redecoration should not
be at the whim of the occupants of the day.
The Chairman of the Committee on Official Establishments
will be Mr Andrew Grimwade, President, Council of Trustees,
National Gallery of Victoria. Other members of Mr Guilford
Bell, Dame Helen Blaxland, Mr James Cope ( former Speaker of
the House of Representatives) and Mrs Ruth Gullett.
The Coamittee will be serviced by the Department of the
Prime Minister and Cabinet.
From time to time objects come on the market which would be
suitable f: r one or other of these four official residences,
and zwhis-o uld be preserved in the national interest.
The Cc-ittee will have the task of advising the Government
on the purchase of such objects.
The official United States guest house, Blair House, in Washington,
is managed by a committee which operates in this way. As a
result, not only Blair Hlouse, but the furnishings in it,
are of great historical value. 00OoooOOO