The activist group GetUp carried out a banner stunt at a prominent Australian political venue, sparking a debate over security vulnerabilities.
The incident raises concerns about the ease with which unauthorized individuals can access sensitive areas within the nation's political infrastructure. Critics argue that such breaches could be exploited by more dangerous actors than political activists.
David Farley, a Member of Parliament for One Nation, condemned the action during an appearance on Sky News Australia. He described the event as a "totally irresponsible act" and a "breach of security protocols," he said.
Farley questioned the oversight that permitted the activists to operate in what he called the "palace of the press." The MP suggested that the lack of intervention during the stunt reflects a systemic failure in protecting high-profile political sites, he said.
According to Farley, the visibility of the stunt serves as a signal to others that existing safeguards are insufficient. "All it’s doing is encouraging others to realise the security isn’t all that strong," he said.
GetUp has not issued a public response regarding the specific methods used to place the banner or the intent behind the demonstration. The event has prompted calls for a review of access controls at the venue to prevent future unauthorized entries.
“What a totally irresponsible act. What a breach of security protocols.”
This incident highlights a tension between political activism and the physical security of government institutions. By demonstrating that a banner could be placed in a high-profile area, GetUp inadvertently provided a proof-of-concept for security lapses, shifting the conversation from the group's political message to the vulnerability of the venue's perimeter.

