Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Cabinet,
Minister for the Public Service,
Special Minister of State
Criminal damage has no place in our Democracy.
Australia is one of the leading democracies in the world and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House has become a physical symbol of the strength and success of our Australian democratic system.
We have led the world in in the development of our Australian democratic system.
Our democratic success is based on the principles of freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity.
Millions across the world can only but dream to live in and have the opportunities afforded to them that come with living in a liberal democracy like Australia.
No system of Government is perfect. In our democracy the freedom to peaceful protest is one that we can and should celebrate.
Today's actions at Old Parliament House were not peaceful. The resulting damage undermines the message that peaceful protesters seek to deliver.
As Minister responsible for Old Parliament House I was reassured by the Chair of Old Parliament House that at the last Board meeting, the Board was fully briefed by management on planning and preparations for these protests and the Board was satisfied with the planning and preparations.
The protection of the building is paramount and given the live operational issues, management have made decisions based on advice from security agencies.
Disappointingly, but necessarily, visitor access has been restricted at times.
It is the Government's expectation that all illegal activity should be dealt with by the police and the courts to the full extent possible.
I thank the first responders. They should not have to put themselves in harm's way to deal with the fire. The damage to the building will be fully restored back to its original condition.
