Legal Requirements
You do not require formal approval to conduct a protest or demonstration within the National Capital. However, the erection of structures associated with a protest or demonstration do require approval. In either case, it may be in your interests if you are planning a protest or demonstration to discuss your plans with the relevant authorities.
National Land in the Parliamentary Zone and the diplomatic areas (Map 1) is managed by the National Capital Authority (NCA). The Parliamentary Precincts (Map 3) are managed and controlled by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives who are known collectively as the Presiding Officers. The Presiding Officers have the discretion to approve or not approve the conduct of protests, demonstrations or public assemblies including public activities within the Parliamentary Precincts. Information about the use of these areas is available from the NCA or the Parliament House Security Controller.
Most public land outside these areas within the Australian Capital Territory is managed by the ACT Government. Information about Territory land is available from the Department of Territory and Municipal Services.
You are required to comply with any lawful direction given by Parliamentary Security, Australian Federal Police or Australian Protective Service officers.