Australian government building evacuated after 'suspicious package' discovered

An Australian government building has been evacuated after a "suspicious package" was discovered - with a bomb detection robot called to the scene.

The discovery in Civic Square, Canberra, has forced the ACT Legislative Assembly to close its public entrance and emergency services to block off the area.

Several city centre buildings were evacuated on Wednesday afternoon local time, with Canberra Museum and Gallery building among those currently off limits.

However, members of the Assembly itself were not evacuated with question time going ahead as planned.

Canberra Theatre Centre and Civic Library, Civic Square, Civic, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia (Getty)

The London Circuit between Northbourne Avenue and Akuna St has been closed with people asked to avoid the area.

Police, fire crews and a bomb detection robot are at the scene.

ACT Policing said in a statement: "Several buildings in the area have been evacuated as a precaution," a spokesman said.

"London Circuit has not been closed, however motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area if possible as there may be congestion and delays.

"There is no threat to the wider community."

The ACT Legislative Assembly tweeted: "The public entrance of the Assembly building is closed to visitors due to a suspicious package being found in the vicinity of Civic Square.

"Access to the Assembly Building is through the emergency entrance on the ground floor of London Circuit."

A further tweet confirmed: "The bells are ringing for question time at #YourAssembly. Proceedings continue as planned."