Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Members will recall that, on 30 November 2016, question time was interrupted by a group of protesters in the public galleries and on the following day further protests occurred outside of the building. At the time, I indicated that the matter would be investigated and I would continue to update the House as appropriate. I can advise the House that, following referrals by ACT Policing to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, the two offenders who abseiled down the front facade of Parliament House were summoned to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court last year for the charge of behaving in a disorderly manner on Commonwealth premises. Both offenders pleaded guilty to the charge and the matter was adjourned on 13 February this year. Last week, Magistrate Glenn Theakston fined the pair $1,500 each, which amounts to almost half the maximum fine for such an offence.

I will continue to apprise the House on the matter.