Tucked away in the gardens of Queensland Parliament, beyond the public tour route, a behind-the-scenes initiative has been quietly thriving. Since August 2017, four resident hens have ruled the roost in the Eggsembly.
While most visitors never glimpse this charming corner of the precinct, the Eggsembly has become a much-loved feature among Members and staff, bringing both practical benefits and a touch of personality to parliamentary life.
The Birth of the Eggsembly
This addition, initially led by then Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Peter Wellington, has brought both practical benefits and a touch of charm to the Parliamentary Precinct. The primary purpose of these chickens, as noted by Speaker Wellington, were to:
- Dispose of appropriate kitchen waste
- Provide fresh eggs for the Parliament’s kitchen
- Produce fertiliser for the gardens.[1]
Following a naming competition among parliamentary staff, the chickens were christened with names that reflect the Parliamentary spirit: Miss Hensard, Dorothy Dixer, Miss Erskine Lay, and Cluck of the Eggsembly.
Pecking Away Stress
Beyond their practical uses, the chickens have been found to have a calming influence on people, helping to lower stress levels. Back in 2017, Speaker Wellington encouraged Members to visit the chickens before question time each day, hoping their serene presence would foster a more relaxed atmosphere within the Parliament. The goal was simple: to see their calming influence potentially reduce the need for invoking standing order 253A[2] (the power to order withdrawal of disorderly Member from the Chamber for up to one hour).
This initiative has garnered appreciation from Members and staff alike, with many finding solace in garden area housing the chickens amidst the often intense environment of parliamentary proceedings.
A Commitment to Sustainability
The Eggsembly project aligns with a broader commitment to sustainability within the Parliamentary Precinct. The chickens’ presence complements a thriving herb garden, a vegetable garden, and fruit trees, all aimed at supporting the Parliament’s kitchen. This holistic approach not only enhances the self-sufficiency of the precinct but also fosters a deeper connection to nature and sustainable practices.
A Bittersweet Chapter
In October 2023, three of the chickens had passed away due to old age. Miss Erskine Lay, Dorothy Dixer, and Miss Hensard departed to that great chicken coop in the sky, leaving Cluck of the Eggsembly as the sole survivor. At the time, Clerk of the Assembly, Neil Laurie, noted that they had lived long, comfortable lives, well cared for and much loved by all who visited them.
Clucking Onward
Despite this loss, the spirit of the Eggsembly lives on. Former Speaker Curtis Pitt, in keeping with the tradition, added three new chickens to join Cluck of the Eggsembly in 2024. In preparation for their arrival in a new, upgraded pen was installed. This renewed commitment underscores the enduring value placed on sustainability in the Parliamentary Precinct.
Speaker Pitt remarked that the chickens have given new meaning to former Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s phrase, “feeding the chooks,” highlighting the blend of tradition, practicality, and light-heartedness that the Eggsembly represents[3].
Hatching a Legacy
While the chickens are not included in the public tour of Parliament House, Members and staff have the opportunity to visit them. Their presence adds a quirky element to the precinct, transforming the often-formal environment into a more relaxed space. This initiative reinforces Parliament’s commitment to sustainability while promoting a sense of well-being among those who work in the precinct.
Our current Speaker, Pat Weir, has continued to champion the Eggsembly, recognising its value in promoting sustainability, well-being and a lighter side of parliamentary life. He also acknowledges that this small initiative symbolically represents the importance of agriculture across Queensland’s regions, connecting the work of Parliament to the state’s rural roots. As he joked, “They’re the hardest-working residents on the precinct, always up early, always productive and they never ruffle too many feathers.”
The chickens of the Eggsembly have indeed ruled the roost, leaving an indelible mark on Queensland Parliament. Here’s to their continued legacy and the ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and well-being within our precinct.
[1] P Wellington, ‘The “Eggsembly”’, Queensland, Debates, 8 August 2017, pp 1924.
[2] P Wellington, ‘The “Eggsembly”’, Queensland, Debates, 8 August 2017, pp 1924.
[3] M McKenna, L Lynch and S Elks, ‘Feeding the Chooks: Labor MPs consider fleeing Palaszczuk’s sinking ship’, Australian, 13 October 2023.
