Fun Facts about When I'm the Prime Minister Images
Discover the story behind the images.
By Samantha Pillay
Australian Security for the Prime Minister (pages 4,5)
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) provides Close Personal Protection (CPP) services for the Prime Minister both domestically and internationally. These teams ensure the Prime Minister's safety during public engagements and overseas visits.
Australian Prime Ministers do not automatically receive lifetime security protection. Security needs are assessed on a case-by-case basis, often involving private security firms due to the limited availability and high cost of AFP personnel.
The Prime Minister's security arrangements often involve collaboration with international counterparts, especially during visits to foreign countries. This collaboration ensures comprehensive security coverage aligned with international protocols.
Women have been making significant strides in ASIO and other intelligence agencies. Notable figures include Nina Davidson, the Deputy Director-General – Intelligence at ASIO; Catherine Burn, the Deputy Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS); and Abigail Bradshaw, the Head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
Australian Flag (page 6, 7)
The Australian flag, featuring the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star, and the Southern Cross, was chosen through a public competition in 1901.
The Union Jack symbolizes Australia's historical ties to the United Kingdom. The Commonwealth Star represents the unity of the states and territories, and the Southern Cross signifies Australia's geographic location.
The flag was designated as the national flag under the Flags Act 1953.
The Commonwealth Star has seven points, six for the original states and one for the territories.
Specific protocols exist for flying the Australian flag, emphasizing respect and proper display, particularly on government buildings.
Aboriginal Flag (page 6, 7)
Designed by Harold Thomas in 1971, the flag features black, red, and yellow colours representing Aboriginal people, the earth, and the sun, respectively.
The Aboriginal flag was first flown in 1971. It was proclaimed a "Flag of Australia" in 1995.
The flag symbolises Aboriginal identity, unity, and the struggle for land rights. It is prominently displayed during significant events like the "March for Reconciliation."
Initiated in 2018, the #FreeTheFlag campaign advocates for the unrestricted use of the flag by Aboriginal organizations.
Torres Strait Islander Flag (page 6,7)
The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by Bernard Namok in 1992. It features the Dhari (headdress) and a five-pointed star, symbolizing culture, peace, and the island groups.
The green colour represents land, black represents people, and blue symbolizes the sea.
The flag was proclaimed an official flag of Australia in 1995.
The flag's design was chosen from over 100 entries in a community competition.
The Dhari symbolizes cultural heritage, and the star represents navigation and the island groups.
Australian Parliament House (pages 8, 9)
The design of Parliament House was chosen from an international competition. The winning design by Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects features curved walls symbolizing Australia's bicameral system.
Parliament House was built into Capital Hill, allowing visitors to walk on the roof. This design symbolizes that the people are above the government.
Parliament House is one of the largest buildings in the southern hemisphere. It has over 4,700 rooms and covers 250,000 square meters.
The building incorporates materials from around Australia and the world. These include red Christmas Bush granite and marble from Italy, Portugal, and Belgium.
The building features a massive tapestry by Arthur Boyd, 48 marble columns, and various artworks celebrating Australian culture.
The flag mast is 81 meters tall, symbolizing architectural harmony with Canberra's design vision.
Courtyard Mosaic (pages 8, 9)
The courtyard mosaic at Parliament House was created by Michael Nelson Jagamara. The 196-square-meter artwork symbolizes a gathering place for all Australians.
The mosaic reflects the ancient history of Australia and the importance of land and stories to the Aboriginal culture.
The design enhances the connection between Parliament House and Australia's natural and cultural heritage.
Parliament House offers guided tours that include the courtyard gardens and mosaic. These tours emphasize the mosaic's cultural significance.
House of Representatives (pages 10, 11)
The House of Representatives is the lower house of the Australian Parliament, consisting of 151 members. Each member represents a single electoral division.
Australia uses a preferential voting system where voters rank candidates by preference. This system ensures a majority vote through redistribution.
The majority party or coalition forms the government. Its leader becomes the Prime Minister.
The House of Representatives was established in 1901. Its design and function were influenced by the British House of Commons.
Members come from various backgrounds. The major parties are the Australian Labor Party, the Liberal Party, and the National Party.
The House has numerous standing committees that handle public policy and administrative matters. These committees conduct inquiries and make recommendations.
Dispatch Boxes (pages 10, 11)
The Dispatch Boxes in the House of Representatives were gifts from King George V. They marked the opening of Old Parliament House in 1927.
The boxes are made of rosewood and decorated with silver and enamel. They are replicas of the British House of Commons' boxes.
The Dispatch Boxes are used by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and ministers to rest their speech notes and documents.
The boxes represent the connection between the British and Australian Houses of Representatives.
The government side box contains religious texts for swearing in new members.
Inside each box is an inscription signed by King George V.
Hourglasses (pages 10, 11)
Hourglasses are used in both houses to manage time during debates and speeches.
The hourglasses provide a visual cue for the end of speaking time. This helps ensure orderly proceedings.
The use of hourglasses symbolizes the structured nature of parliamentary debates and decision-making.
The hourglasses are crafted with ornate designs, reflecting their importance in parliamentary procedures.
They help manage time during sessions, ensuring fair speaking opportunities for members.
Books on Desk (pages 10, 11)
The long row of books on the central table in the House of Representatives contains laws passed by Parliament. These books serve as vital references for members.
In front of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk are reference books that assist them in their duties. These include the Standing Orders, dictionaries, the Australian Constitution, and Hansard, the official transcript of parliamentary debates.
The presence of these books symbolizes legislative continuity and stability.
While these books are available in physical form on the desk, the information they contain is also accessible online. This reflects the integration of traditional and modern methods in parliamentary operations.
Sydney Opera House (pages 12, 13)
The Sydney Opera House was designed by Jorn Utzon. The design features innovative roof shells resembling sails. Construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1973.
The initial budget was estimated at $7 million, but the final cost soared to $102 million. Most of this funding came from a state lottery.
In 2007, the Sydney Opera House was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition reflects its outstanding architectural achievement and cultural value.
The Opera House is covered with over one million roof tiles. The highest roof shell reaches 67 meters above sea level.
The building uses seawater from Sydney Harbour for its cooling system. Cold water circulates through 35 kilometers of pipes to regulate the temperature inside.
Paul Robeson was the first person to perform at the Opera House. He sang "Ol' Man River" to the construction workers during their lunch break in 1960.
Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Sydney Opera House on October 20, 1973. She has visited the site several times since then.
The Concert Hall, the largest venue within the Opera House, houses the world's largest mechanical organ. It consists of over 10,000 pipes and requires a precise temperature of 22.5 degrees Celsius to keep the instruments in tune.
The Sydney Opera House attracts over 10.9 million visitors annually. Around 350,000 people take guided tours each year.
Sydney Harbour Bridge (pages 20, 21)
Locals affectionately call the Sydney Harbour Bridge the "Coathanger" due to its distinctive arch shape. The bridge is a steel through arch design.
Construction began in 1923 and took eight years to complete. The bridge officially opened on March 19, 1932. It was built using steel primarily sourced from England and Australia.
The bridge spans 1,149 meters in total length and reaches 134 meters at its highest point. It used approximately 52,800 tonnes of steel, 95,000 cubic meters of concrete, and over six million hand-driven rivets.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge has been the site of numerous stunts and events. During the Sydney 2000 Olympics, the bridge prominently displayed the Olympic Rings.
The bridge's design and construction were heavily influenced by the Hell Gate Bridge in New York City. Its four pylons, although purely decorative, add to the bridge's iconic appearance. These pylons now serve various purposes, including housing a museum and lookout points.
The arch of the bridge can expand and contract up to 18 centimetres due to temperature changes. This flexibility is crucial for the bridge's structural integrity.
Maintaining the bridge is an ongoing effort. Repainting the bridge requires 30,000 litres of paint each time. The task is aided by two robots, Rosie and Sandy, which help remove the old paint.
United Nations (pages 26, 27)
The United Nations was established on October 24, 1945. Its aim is to prevent future wars, promote peace and security, protect human rights, and foster international cooperation.
Australia was one of the founding members of the UN. Australian delegates played a significant role in drafting the UN Charter. The country has since been a strong advocate for the organization's missions, including peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development.
Australia has contributed significantly to UN peacekeeping missions. The Australian Defence Force and police have participated in numerous operations to maintain peace and security in various regions around the world.
Australia supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end poverty, reduce inequalities, and protect the planet by 2030. The Australian government, led by the Prime Minister, works towards these goals through national policies and international cooperation.
The UN General Assembly provides a platform for the Australian Prime Minister to engage with world leaders, discuss global issues, and strengthen diplomatic ties. This annual event is crucial for international diplomacy and policy coordination.
The UN's World Food Programme and other agencies receive support from Australia. This support provides food, medical assistance, and other humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations worldwide. The Australian Prime Minister often highlights the importance of such contributions in international forums.
Uluru (pages 28, 29)
Uluru stands 348 meters (1,142 feet) tall, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower. It has a circumference of 9.4 kilometres (5.8 miles) and extends about 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles) underground.
Uluru is also known as Ayers Rock. The dual naming reflects both the traditional Aboriginal name and the one given by European settlers. In 1987, Uluru was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural significance. In 1994, it received a second listing for its cultural significance.
Uluru is composed of arkose sandstone, which is rich in feldspar. Its iconic red colour comes from the oxidation of iron on its surface. Interestingly, the rock changes colour throughout the day, glowing red and orange at sunrise and sunset, and even appearing to turn purple when it rains.
Uluru is sacred to the Anangu people, the traditional landowners, who believe it was created by their ancestors during the Dreamtime. The area around Uluru has been inhabited by Aboriginal people for at least 30,000 years. It features ancient rock art that tells the stories of their culture.
Climbing Uluru was officially banned in October 2019 out of respect for the Anangu people's wishes and to preserve the site's cultural integrity. Before the ban, climbing was a popular but controversial activity.
Despite its arid environment, Uluru is home to over 400 plant species and various animal species, including some rare and endangered ones. The Anangu people use many of these plants for food, medicine, and tools.
Uluru receives around 300mm of rainfall annually. When it rains heavily, the water cascades down its sides, creating temporary waterfalls and pools.
Uluru attracts over 250,000 tourists each year. Visitors can enjoy guided walks led by Anangu guides, stargazing, and cultural experiences.
Emu (pages 28, 29)
Emus are the world's second-largest bird, standing up to 1.9 meters tall. They are the largest native bird in Australia.
Emus can run at speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour (31 miles per hour). Their powerful legs, which have three forward-facing toes, help them cover vast distances in search of food and water.
Emu feathers are unique with two shafts per feather, providing excellent insulation against extreme temperatures. They also have double-layered skin with an insulating layer of air between, helping them survive in both hot and cold climates.
Emus are omnivores, eating a variety of plants, seeds, fruits, and insects. They can survive for weeks without food, relying on their stored body fat, but they need to drink water daily.
During the breeding season, male emus perform elaborate dances to attract females. After the female lays her eggs, the male takes over incubation, fasting for around 56 days while keeping the eggs warm. Once hatched, the male continues to care for the chicks for up to six months.
Emus hold a significant place in Indigenous Australian culture, featuring in various Dreaming stories and traditional artworks. They are also represented in the Emu constellation in Aboriginal astronomy.
Emus can live between 10 to 20 years in the wild. They are found throughout Australia, from coastal regions to the Snowy Mountains, preferring open grasslands, savannah woodlands, and sclerophyll forests.
Kangaroo (pages 28, 29)
The red kangaroo is the largest marsupial in the world. Males can grow up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) tall and weigh as much as 90 kilograms (198 pounds). These kangaroos can leap up to 25 feet in a single bound and reach speeds of over 35 miles per hour.
Kangaroos cannot move backwards due to their large feet and tails. This is why they are featured on the Australian Coat of Arms, symbolizing a nation always moving forward.
Kangaroos use their tails as a fifth limb for balance and support when moving slowly. This pentapedal locomotion showcases their adaptability and the unique role of their tails.
Kangaroos are social animals that live in groups called mobs. These mobs can include up to 50 individuals. They communicate using a mix of body language and vocalizations, such as stomping their hind legs to warn others of danger.
Kangaroos are also excellent swimmers. They use their legs to paddle and their tails for propulsion, which helps them escape predators, cross rivers, and cool down.
There are more kangaroos than humans in Australia. Recent estimates suggest there are about 45 million kangaroos compared to Australia's human population of around 25 million.
The name "kangaroo" comes from an Aboriginal word. Kangaroos hold cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous Australians. They are often depicted in ancient rock paintings dating back thousands of years.
Bilby (pages 28, 29)
Bilbies, often called "rabbit-eared bandicoots," have long ears similar to rabbits. They also have a pointed nose and silky blue-grey fur with a tan underbelly. Their ears help them hear exceptionally well and regulate their body temperature.
Bilbies are excellent burrowers. They dig intricate tunnel systems up to 10 feet long and 7 feet deep. These burrows provide protection from predators and the harsh desert heat. They often have multiple burrows within their home range to ensure a safe retreat is always nearby.
Female bilbies have backward-facing pouches to prevent dirt from entering while they dig. They have one of the shortest pregnancies among mammals, about 14 days. Joeys then develop in the pouch for around 80 days before emerging.
Bilbies have poor eyesight but compensate with an excellent sense of hearing and smell. These senses help them locate food and detect predators, even underground. They are nocturnal, active only from dusk till dawn, which minimizes the impact of their poor vision.
Bilbies are omnivores. They eat a variety of seeds, fruits, bulbs, insects, and small animals. Remarkably, they do not need to drink water. They get all the hydration they need from their food.
In Australia, bilbies have become a symbol for conservation efforts, particularly around Easter. Campaigns like "Easter Bilby" aim to replace the Easter Bunny with the bilby to raise awareness about the ecological impact of feral rabbits and the importance of protecting native species.
Bilbies once inhabited 70% of Australia but are now found in just 15% due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species like foxes and cats. Conservation efforts are ongoing to reintroduce bilbies to areas where they have disappeared.
Dingo (pages 28, 29)
Dingoes are believed to have arrived in Australia over 4,000 years ago, likely brought by Asian seafarers. They are one of the oldest dog breeds, sharing a common ancestor with wolves.
Dingoes are not a dog breed but rather a unique species. They have a lean, muscular body, a fox-like head, and a coat that ranges from sandy yellow to reddish-brown. Unlike domestic dogs, dingoes rarely bark and are more likely to howl to communicate.
Dingoes are highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments, from forests to deserts. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming small mammals, birds, insects, and even fruits. Their flexible diet allows them to survive in harsh conditions.
Dingoes live in packs with a strict hierarchy. Only the dominant pair in the pack will breed. Other members help care for the pups. This communal rearing strengthens pack bonds and ensures the survival of the young.
Dingoes have several unique adaptations. They can dislocate their shoulder joints to escape predators, are excellent climbers, and are capable swimmers. Their large, rotating ears provide exceptional hearing, which compensates for their poor vision.
As apex predators, dingoes play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of Australia's ecosystems. They help control populations of herbivores like kangaroos and rabbits, which in turn supports plant community health.
To protect livestock from dingoes, Australians built the world's longest fence, known as the Dingo Fence. Spanning 5,614 kilometers, it has been effective in reducing dingo attacks on sheep, though it has also impacted local wildlife populations.
Oval Office Meetings with US President (pages 30, 31)
Since the inauguration of George W. Bush in 2001, there have been numerous meetings between US Presidents and Australian Prime Ministers. President Bush hosted Prime Minister John Howard six times. During his term, Barack Obama met with Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, and Malcolm Turnbull a total of five times in the Oval Office.
State visits are a significant aspect of these meetings. For instance, during a recent state visit in October 2023, President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discussed various topics including climate change, defence collaboration under the AUKUS partnership, and technological cooperation. This visit also included a state dinner on the South Lawn of the White House.
Recent meetings have emphasized environmental and technological cooperation. President Biden and Prime Minister Albanese have agreed on initiatives such as enhancing ocean health, advancing quantum technologies, and collaborating on clean energy solutions.
The Oval Office has hosted many pivotal moments in the US-Australia relationship. The historical alliance and common values such as democracy, the rule of law, and freedom have been reiterated during these meetings. This reinforces the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.