David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Oxley asked me a question related to a situation where the member was requested to provide identification by either an Australian Federal Police protection officer or a Parliamentary Security Service officer. I am advised that the incident took place in the corridor adjacent to the Prime Minister’s office, in the ministerial wing, and that the officer was from AFP protection, who provide security in the ministerial wing. Security in all other areas of the building is provided by the Parliamentary Security Service officers, who are expected to recognise all members. This is not the case with AFP officers, due to their limited contact with members and the regular changeover of officers.

As I noted on Monday, the officer was not carrying a firearm. The car park entry card the member referred to is in fact a photographic pass and is the same as the pass issued to other building occupants. All members are entitled to such a pass. While it is unfortunate that the member for Oxley was not immediately recognised, the officer was following standard practice where a person cannot be positively identified. I understand that the member for Oxley was treated with courtesy and thanked for his cooperation.