Parliament House in Canberra goes into dramatic lockdown as protesters storm the building
Parliament House has been placed on lockdown after the building was overrun by groups protesting Australia Day and the conflict in the Middle East.
As many as 600 First Nations and pro-Palestinian activists marched to the front door of the building in Canberra on Friday.
Police were forced to seal the entrance to Parliament House, with visitors inside diverted to leave the basement.
Chants of 'F**k Australia' and 'F**k Israel' could be heard as hundreds of protesters marched through the city on Invasion Day.
The group eventually moved to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy to continue their demonstrations.
Parliament House has been placed on lockdown after the building was overrun by groups protesting Australia Day and the conflict in the Middle East
Police set up a barricade at the entrance to Parliament House on Friday
As many as 600 demonstrators descended on Parliament House
An activist is seen waving the Aboriginal flag outside Parliament House as police officers watch from behind
On Friday, police blocked the entrance to Parliament House
Police were seen blocking the entrance to the government building after forming a long queue at the front doors.
Meanwhile, activists waved Aboriginal and Palestinian flags, while some shouted messages came from megaphones.
Many also held up signs that read “always been, always that way,” while others held a large banner with the message “National Day of Healing.”
No arrests have been made.
It comes as tens of thousands of Aussies turn out in major cities across the country to protest the National Day.
Many protesters are calling for the date of Australia Day to be changed, saying January 26 marks the colonization of First Nations people.
Activists are seen raising their fists in a sign of solidarity with First Nations people
One activist used a megaphone as protesters sat outside Parliament House
Hundreds gathered at the entrance to Parliament House on Friday
Many also protested against the conflict in the Middle East
The group was seen marching towards the government building on Friday
Two women are seen holding a sign with the message 'was always Aboriginal land, always will be Aboriginal land'