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House of Representatives                                Ch 4                                                 p 126

The security of the parliamentary precincts

Responsibility for security in the parliamentary precincts is vested by the Parliamentary Precincts Act in the Presiding Officers. Before the passage of the Act this jurisdiction was based on custom and practice and the inherent powers of the Presiding Officers to maintain proper arrangements for the functioning of Parliament.

Security brings into conflict two principles basic to Parliament’s traditions and usage. On the one hand, there is the undeniable right of people in a parliamentary democracy to observe their Parliament at work and to have reasonable access to their representatives. On the other hand, Members and Senators must be provided with conditions which will enable them to perform their duties in safety and without interference. This is basic to the operation of Parliament and a balance must be struck between these two important principles.

In 1978 some Members and Senators expressed concern that the security arrangements might become excessively elaborate and that the rights of Members, Senators and the public to gain access to, and to move freely within, Parliament House might be unnecessarily restricted. In a report later that year the Senate Committee of Privileges emphasised the view that an effective protection system was necessary for Parliament House and its occupants. It stressed that security measures implemented earlier in 1978 provided the basis for an effective system and were not, in the committee’s opinion, in any way inconsistent with the privileges of Members of the Senate. ¹

The safety of people who work in Parliament House, or who visit it on legitimate business or simply to see it in operation, is an important consideration. Some Members and Senators are prepared to accept that public office brings with it increased personal risk and perhaps are not easily convinced of the need for special arrangements for their own security. However, the need to ensure the safety of others in the parliamentary precincts is recognised.

A Security Management Board is the high level advisory and oversight body responsible for the security of the precincts. The Serjeant-at-Arms is a member of the board. Day to day security is maintained by the Assistant Secretary (Security and Facilities) in the Department of Parliamentary Services (who has a central coordinating role). The Usher of the Black Rod and the Serjeant-at-Arms are involved in operational matters if they impact on the Senate wing and Senators or the House wing and Members respectively. Parliamentary security staff and Australian Protective Service staff perform operational security duties under the control of the Assistant Secretary (Security and Facilities).

The parliamentary security staff are primarily responsible for internal security, that is, the operation of electronic security screening devices, the physical checking of people entering the building and general corridor surveillance. The Australian Protective Service, on the other hand, is responsible for the physical security of the external precincts and the ministerial wing. The Parliamentary Precincts Act provides that the functions of protective service officers in relation to the precincts shall be performed in accordance with general arrangements agreed between the Presiding Officers and the Minister administering the Australian Protective Service Act 1987 . The Australian Federal Police provides a policing response to demonstrations and major incidents.

A pass system controls entry into the non-public areas of Parliament House. Members and Senators are not required to wear a pass. Other persons are not permitted to enter the non-public areas without a pass. People permanently employed in the building and others who need to enter Parliament House regularly are issued with photographic identity passes. Visitors granted entry to the non-public areas are issued with day passes, or passes covering specified periods, as the need arises. Passes must be worn by the pass holders. At times the main doors, or parts of the building that are normally open to the public, may be closed for security reasons. When demonstrations occur a restricted number of demonstrators, by way of a delegation, may be allowed inside the building by appointment.

Goods, mail and baggage brought into the building are checked by electronic means. On entering Parliament House all persons, including Members and Senators, must pass through electronic detection equipment similar to that used at airports and further scree ning is carried out of people seeking to enter the public galleries of the two chambers. It is a condition of entry to the building and the public galleries that any person desiring to enter shall submit to a search of his or her person or effects if so required.

PP 22 (1978).