Discussions are under way on how to remove a group of protesters from the parliamentary triangle that has been linked to a damaging fire at Old Parliament House.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Authorities are understood to be concerned by a planned build up of protesters and anti-government activists at the site in the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on Australia Day, January 26.
The embassy has distanced itself from the protest group, which has links to prominent anti-vaccination mandate figures and so-called sovereign citizens.
The protest group has established a separate camp and organised daily protests at the front of Old Parliament House.
The National Capital Authority and police have acknowledged the right to peaceful protest, but The Canberra Times understands concern is mounting about the protesters planning significant and disruptive demonstrations later this month.
Police on Thursday cleared a small camp near the National Portrait Gallery where the group of protesters, linked to a fire at Old Parliament House, had pitched tents.
A significant police presence was established in the parliamentary triangle on Thursday afternoon, with protesters shouting at officers that they did not have the power to move people on.
Police formed a line around a grassed area beside the National Portrait Gallery on King Edward Terrace, where a handful of tents had been pitched.
A main camp, near the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, remains in place.
A spokesperson for ACT Policing said approximately five tents, camping gear and two vehicles were moved on Thursday, but no arrests had been made.
"ACT Policing is engaging with representatives of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and other protest groups and in an effort to ensure the safety of all people currently located in the area in front of Old Parliament House," the spokesperson said.
A spokeswoman for the National Capital Authority said it did not support the establishment of campsites at Reconciliation Place or the National Portrait Gallery.
"For public safety reasons, we have requested the Australian Federal Police remove any campsites, vehicles, equipment and related infrastructure from these locations," the spokeswoman said.
"The NCA has consulted with representatives of the Australian Tent Embassy and has alerted other elders as well. They have expressed support for this approach."
At least 10 arrests have been made in relation to the protest activity since before Christmas, and police will continue to maintain a presence in the area each day.
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy plans to hold a three-day event from January 25 to mark its anniversary, to "honour and mourn our past, celebrate our survival and strategise for the next 50 years," a statement earlier this month said.
Last Thursday, the doors to Old Parliament House were set on fire, which led to significant damage to the heritage-protected building.
The damaging fire came after days of protests on the steps of the former parliament building, which included a smaller fire set under the portico.
Elders in the Aboriginal community have accused the "anti-vax" camp set up alongside the long-standing Aboriginal Tent Embassy of being a health risk to the whole of Canberra, and said the people should be moved on.
Footage posted to social media from participants at the camp shows people sharing discredited information about COVID-19 vaccinations and views in common with the sovereign citizen movement.
NSW police in 2015 identified sovereign citizens as a potential terrorism threat in Australia.
People at the camp in Parkes have posted notices to social media for an event later this month to "evict" the Australian government, under the banner of #takeoldparliament.
Footage posted to social media showed the fire on the steps of Old Parliament House last week.
"Break free from all chains that are associated to contracts and walk freely with us into the New beginning," one protester wrote.
READ MORE:
- Aboriginal Tent Embassy leaders fear infection from anti-vaxxers' camp next door at Old Parliament House
- Victorian man accused of Old Parliament House arson has non-publication order on his name, address
- As the smoke clears after the Old Parliament House fire, there are glimmers of hope for restoration
- Traditional custodians, police reckon with aftermath of Old Parliament House fire
An ordinance that predates self government in the ACT allows the Commonwealth to remove people found to be trespassing on national land, which includes the parliamentary triangle.
The Trespass on Commonwealth Lands Ordinance 1932 gives the federal government the power to appoint inspectors who can remove people suspected of trespass.
The ordinance allows for those inspectors, or police officers, to arrest without a warrant anyone reasonably suspected of trespass who refuses to give their name and address.
The man accused of placing hot coals at Old Parliament House's doors then stoking the resulting fire last week breached his bail 15 minutes after being released, court documents state.
Victorian man Nicholas Malcolm Reed, 30, whose non-publication order on his name based on retribution fears was removed on Wednesday, was initially granted court bail on Tuesday.
Mr Reed was on bail for allegedly setting fire to Old Parliament House on December 30 during a political protest.
However, the defendant had to front the ACT Magistrates Court again less than 24 hours later when he admitted to the breach.
Magistrate Peter Morrison denied an application to revoke bail, saying he would give the defendant "the benefit of the doubt" and that he accepted there was a misunderstanding.
"The breach is not a particularly serious one," Mr Morrison said.
Do you know more? Email jasperlindell@protonmail.com.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram