Eight people face court for property damage

About 12.30pm yesterday (Friday, 6 August, 2021) ACT Policing received reports of protest activity at the John Gorton Building in Parkes.

The protesters had entered the building foyer, and police will allege paint was deliberately sprayed and spilled inside the building. Several of the protestors also glued their hands onto the floor and fixtures in the building. These actions caused damage to the building foyer.

AFP Search and Rescue personnel attended to assist in removing the people who had glued themselves.

Eight people (six men aged 22, 30, 32, 63, 64, and 77, and two women aged 48 and 59) were arrested. They refused to accept bail from police and will appear in the ACT Magistrates Court this morning (Saturday, 7 August 2021) charged with defacing public property.  

Anyone that has information that can assist police regarding planned protest activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au