Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

I advise the House that today I have limited access to question time due to security reasons. This decision was made for the safety of all staff working in this building. This was a decision I did not take lightly and is a result of a serious security breach by protesters on our building today. Along with the President of the Senate, we are deeply concerned about this morning's event. It is unacceptable behaviour by the individuals. In relation to the specific events of this morning, I have personally spoken to the AFP commissioner and requested a thorough investigation into today's events. In addition, I've also asked the commissioner for a wider review of security arrangements. I do not want a repeat of today's events.

As an update, I can advise the House that today's protesters have received penalties and are no longer welcome in this building. They have been banned from this building. Additionally, following recent events in this House, I have already commenced a process for strengthening this framework, including the introduction of additional consequences.

I want to thank the AFP and the officers for their hard work and their ongoing commitment to the safety and security of this building. In light of the security incident this morning and ongoing investigations, I do not intend on making any further statements. I will, of course, update the House in due course.

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