Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have a statement to make about events in the building this morning. Some senators will be aware that this morning a large number of protestors entered the building and proceeded to occupy the Marble Foyer. As a result of this, and for the safety of those visiting the building, the public entrance had to be closed. This disrupted the peaceful entry of visiting school groups, members of the public and tourists. As everyone is aware, there is an authorised assembly area at the front of this building specifically designated for groups to conduct their activities without causing disruption to the business of the parliament, those who work here and those visiting. The protesters, having failed to comply with a direction from attending police to move on, were removed without incident. The protestors have been advised that they have been banned from entering the precincts within the bounds of Parliament Drive for a period of three months, having behaved in a manner contrary to the requirements for visitors to Parliament House.