NCA enlists AFP and ACT Policing assistance to ensure public safety and protection of assets on national land

The National Capital Authority (NCA) recognises that the National Capital has many places where people can exercise their right to communicate their opinions and ideas through peaceful protests and demonstrations.

Our democracy recognises this right which is subject to the general law and must be balanced against the rights and interests of others in the community. Of paramount importance is the protection of public safety and public assets, the maintenance of the peace, and fair and equal access to public areas.

The NCA is the Australian Government agency responsible for management of National Land, including care, control and maintenance of the land in the National Triangle, relevantly in this matter including Patrick White Lawns (adjacent to the National Library of Australia), Parkes, ACT.

The NCA is implementing a program of works to prepare for a big event season in the National Triangle from February to April 2022. Urgent event set-up requires  extensive grounds preparation and maintenance.

As part of said events, the NCA has granted permits to event organisers commencing today, Wednesday 2 February 2022. No other permits have been issued in relation to the East West Lawns, Questacon car park or Patrick White Lawns.

Currently there are persons camping in and around Patrick White Lawns and surrounding areas, who are not encompassed by any permit issued by the NCA.

There are several pieces of legislation under which camping, or erection of structures, or occupation, or the depositing of things on National Land, is an offence.  These include:

• Section 8A of the Trespass on Commonwealth Lands Ordinance 1932, as applied to National Land by the National Land Ordinance 1989
• Section 7 of the Protection of Lands Ordinance 1937, as applied to National Land by the National Land Ordinance 1989
• Section 7 of the Roads and Public Places Ordinance 1937 as applied to National Land by the National Land Ordinance 1989
• Section 12 of the Public Order (Protection of Persons and Property) Act 1971

In relation to the people currently camping on Patrick White Lawns, the NCA has requested the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and ACT Policing to take necessary action to enforce the laws and remove tents, camping infrastructure and vehicles from the site. 

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