A fire on the steps of Old Parliament House in Canberra, which has been the site of ongoing protests, has caused extensive damage to the front of the building.
Just before noon on Thursday ACT emergency services were called to the scene to find the front doors alight.
The building, which is now home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, was evacuated as a precaution and crews extinguished the blaze.
“There has been ongoing protest activity at the front of Old Parliament House throughout the past fortnight,” ACT police said in a statement.
“Old Parliament House was evacuated earlier today after protestors started a fire at the front doors of the building – this was quickly extinguished by ACT fire & rescue.
“A police investigation into the cause of the fire has commenced.
The building was set on fire by protesters on December 21 and there have been daily protests outside it since December 26.
The museum will remain closed until further notice, police said.
