Four people have been arrested and police have used capsicum spray to disperse protesters after a group of them allegedly tried to enter Parliament House in Canberra this morning.
ACT Policing said three men and a woman were taken to the ACT Watch House when a small group of demonstrators approached the building.
Police allege they were trying to enter the building to protest unlawfully.
The group of about 30 to 40 people were heard to be chanting about Australia's COVID-19 vaccination policy and "sovereignty".
OC spray, also known as capsicum spray, was used by ACT Policing and Australian Federal Police protective service officers in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
The arrests follow a number of other protests that have been taking place at Old Parliament House in recent weeks, including two instances where the building was set alight.
The actions of the protesters have been denounced by the nearby Aboriginal tent embassy and local Aboriginal elders as they prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of the tent embassy, which was established on Australia Day in 1972.
The second fire at Old Parliament House, on December 30, badly damaged the doors and charred the outdoor portico beyond repair.
More charges laid over fire at Old Parliament House
One of the men arrested at the protest at Parliament House today has been charged over his alleged involvement in the fire.
The 30-year-old man from Bourke, NSW, was charged with aiding and abetting the arson of a building, and defacing public property, among other charges.
The two other men and a woman arrested at Parliament House today were charged for breaching the peace.
The woman, who would only identify herself as Karen, made a brief appearance in the ACT Magistrates Court this afternoon and after agreeing not to breach the peace again, was free to go.
Police also confirmed they later arrested another man at Old Parliament House, a 38-year-old from Linendale, NSW, who is expected to face court tomorrow, charged with assaulting a frontline worker, obstructing a public official and breaching bail.
Police allege this man was also involved with the fire at Old Parliament House.
