Protest camp linked to Old Parliament House fire cleared as heavy police presence established

A significant police presence was established in the parliamentary triangle on Thursday afternoon, with protesters shouting at officers that they did not have the power to move people on.

Police formed a line around a grassed area beside the National Portrait Gallery on King Edward Terrace, where a handful of tents had been pitched.

A main camp, near the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, remains in place. That camp is not associated with the embassy.

Protesters said about half a dozen campers had been moved on and they had served documents to police saying the officers had no sovereignty.

Members of the group also said police had breached a text they produced titled the "Declaration of Divine Sovereignty" and therefore owed them $100 trillion.

A spokesperson for ACT Policing said approximately five tents, camping gear and two vehicles were moved on Thursday, but no arrests had been made.

"ACT Policing is engaging with representatives of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and other protest groups and in an effort to ensure the safety of all people currently located in the area in front of Old Parliament House," the spokesperson said.

"Following a request from the National Capital Authority, ACT Policing asked a group of people to move this afternoon from the side of the National Portrait Gallery."

At least 10 arrests have been made in relation to the protest activity since before Christmas.

Last Thursday, the doors to Old Parliament House were set on fire, which led to significant damage to the heritage-protected building.

The damaging fire came after days of protests on the steps of the former parliament building, which included a smaller fire set under the portico.

Elders in the Aboriginal community have accused the "anti-vax" camp set up alongside the long-standing Aboriginal Tent Embassy of being a health risk to the whole of Canberra, and said the people should be moved on.

Footage posted to social media from participants at the camp shows people sharing discredited information about COVID-19 vaccinations.

People at the camp in Parkes have posted notices to social media for an event later this month to "evict" the Australian government, under the banner of #takeoldparliament.

"Break free from all chains that are associated to contracts and walk freely with us into the New beginning," one protester wrote.

Aboriginal activists have previously warned anti-vaccination sentiment was spreading in remote Indigenous communities.

The man accused of placing hot coals at Old Parliament House's doors then stoking the resulting fire breached his bail 15 minutes after being released, court documents state.

Victorian man Nicholas Malcolm Reed, 30, whose non-publication order on his name based on retribution fears was removed on Wednesday, was initially granted court bail on Tuesday.

Mr Reed was on bail for allegedly setting fire to Old Parliament House on December 30 during a political protest.

However, the defendant had to front the ACT Magistrates Court again less than 24 hours later when he admitted to the breach.

Magistrate Peter Morrison denied an application to revoke bail, saying he would give the defendant "the benefit of the doubt" and that he accepted there was a misunderstanding.

"The breach is not a particularly serious one," Mr Morrison said.

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