Democracy in Melbourne is solid, imposing and hugely respected. Its physical presence stands powerfully at the top of the city with a commanding view. “In 1851, even before the colony of Victoria acquired full parliamentary self-government, Governor Charles La Trobe instructed the colonial surveyor, Robert Hoddle, to select a site for the colony's new parliament on the eastern hill at the top of Bourke St,” writes Only Melbourne, “which at that time, when few buildings were more than two storeys high, commanded a view of the whole city. A competition was held for a design for the building, but all the entries were rejected and the government architect, Charles Pasley, came up with a design of his own.”