Australia considers widespread security upgrades to Parliament House

A security measure being considered by Australia's Parliament could restrict the public from walking on the iconic sloping lawns of the nation's Parliament House.

Leading security agencies have repeatedly called for tighter restrictions at Parliament House as it is viewed as a potential terror target, with the restrictions on the lawns being one of the measures being mulled.

Currently, anyone is allowed to walk on the lawns of the Parliament House, which are directly over the top of the chambers, a design feature which was implemented so that the people of Australia could walk over the heads of their representatives to make sure they're doing their jobs.

The late architect of Parliament House, Romaldo Giurgola, once described proposed security changes as "offensive", but with the national terror threat level at "probable", Parliament is reportedly prepared to consider all safety measures.

Fairfax Media reported that security fences preventing the public from walking on the lawn is one of the measures being considered, while more armed guards, fewer entry points and the erection of a number of security gates are also on the cards.

The upgrades come just two years after the government last made security upgrades to the Parliament House in 2014, more than 80 million U.S dollars was spent on further fortifying the building.

According to security agencies, Australia's "probable" threat level means there are "individuals or groups (which) continue to possess the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack in Australia". Endit