About the Constitutional Centre of Western Australia

This centre was established to support public awareness of our federal system of government with particular emphasis on its constitutional basis and the relationship with our state system.
The Constitutional Centre of Western Australia - photograph of the building

The centre is open 8.30am-4.30pm on weekdays and is closed weekends and public holidays, with the exception of advertised special events.

Admission to the Centre and access to all education services are free.

There is limited visitor parking off Havelock Street, which is accessible only via intercom and boom gate. Please contact us before your visit to ensure parking is available. Metered parking is available on Havelock Street and Parliament Place and an authorised bus parking lane on Havelock Street.

On weekdays the Red CAT bus (Stop 20 - Havelock Street) stops at the corner of Ord and Havelock Streets.

Primary and secondary school programs

Students are welcome to visit the centre and participate in a variety of programs. Our vast suite of programs cater for students from years one to 12.

These courses are free, hands-on and delivered by experienced education officers, with each program linked to the Early Years Learning Framework and the WA Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) curriculum.

See primary and secondary school programs for details. A number of online exhibitions are also available.

All staff hold a current Working with Children check.

Other civic education providers

Electoral Education Centre

Located within the same complex, the Electoral Education Centre features displays and interactive programs for groups to cast a vote, find out more about the origins of democracy and work out what preferential voting is really about. It covers each step required to have a say on election day. An audio-visual presentation, interactive displays and mock elections make the election process come alive.

School groups are welcome and information kits provided.

To book or find out more call Electoral Education on (08) 6552 6077 or visit the Electoral Education Centre.

The Electoral Education Centre is managed by the Western Australian Electoral Commission.

Parliamentary Education Office

Parliament House is located within walking distance of the Centre. A visit to both the Centre and Parliament can be covered in a few fun-filled hours in what would otherwise take weeks of class work. The experience enables students to quickly gain a clear understanding of parliamentary processes and procedures. To book call (08) 9222 7259 or visit Parliament of Western Australia.

Further information

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Resources to inform Western Australians about constitutional issues.

Further reading to help West Australians to engage in informed discussion about constitutional issues of importance to the state.

A review of the Centre was undertaken in 2018. 

Queries regarding constitutions for associations and clubs can be found at the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

Our history

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Information regarding the Constitutional Centre's history.

Our Logo

The Constitutional Centre of Western Australia's logo denotes the democratic principles and values embodied in our political system.

 

The Keystone

The Constitution is the keystone of the democratic process. It is the set of laws that determines how we are governed. The Keystone also represents the architecture of the former Hale School building in which the Constitutional Centre is housed.

The Square

The Square represents the equality of everyone in a democracy. The letter 'L', created by its shadow represents the Legislature (the Parliament) and the laws (the legislation) it drafts. The thin line dividing the square represents the two Houses of Parliament and acts as a bridge to the Governor, whose assent is required for legislation to become law.

The 'C'

The letter 'C' represents the citizens and the community. It links the Constitution and the Parliament and acts as a bridge between the Parliament and the people. The citizens reach into the Parliament by their participation in the political process and by electing parliamentarians. The loosely drawn 'C' represents the dynamic nature of this relationship.

History of the Building

The Constitutional Centre was officially opened in 1997 however the buildings once housed the old Hale School. Read more about the history of the building.

Page reviewed 27 April 2020