diplomatic-protection-group

'Sad reality': ACT parliament contracts armed guards as threats escalate

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 01:49:21 GMT

Violent threats levelled at the ACT's politicians are becoming more frequent and the escalation has prompted the Legislative Assembly to boost its security by contracting armed guards for the first time.

A renewed focus on Australian politicians' safety is following what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said was an attack on Helen Haines, the federal independent member for Indi, outside her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday afternoon.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the attack on Dr Haines was devastatingly sad but he was not surprised because abuse of politicians had only been building.

"It does feel elevated. Greater in volume, sharper and meaner, frankly, in tone. And I've copped homophobic abuse throughout my career but it's going beyond that now," Mr Barr told ABC radio on Tuesday.

ACT Opposition Leader Mark Parton echoed Mr Albanese's call to turn the temperature down on political discourse in Australia

"I've been an elected member for 10 years. I reckon in the first five years I didn't have anybody online suggest that they wanted to harm me in any way and in the last two years, wow, it's just been crazy," Mr Parton said in a video posted to social media.

Before the attack, the ACT Legislative Assembly had already decided to introduce private armed security guards, despite concerns raised by the ACT Greens and some staff.

Jeremy Hanson, the Assembly's Speaker, had said threats had been increasing and his priority was the collective safety of the members and staff who worked in the territory's parliament.

"A survey of MLAs last year showed, in my view, that far too many MLAs have been experiencing some form of threatening behaviour - that is unacceptable. This has included threats of physical violence, sexual violence and death threats, and we have just got to be aware of that," Mr Hanson told the Assembly late last month.

Armed guards have been contracted for the ACT's Assembly after a security audit last year found the territory's parliament needed greater protection.

"The sad reality is that the risk to us as a parliament as members has increased. I think there are two major components to this. One is the politically motivated violence. ... The other one is the fixated individuals," Mr Hanson told the Assembly last month.

Mike Burgess, the head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), in June warned acts of politically motivated violence were becoming more likely.

Mr Hanson said his preference was for police to guard the ACT's parliament and had asked ACT Policing but was told a private contractor would be best placed to protect the ACT's parliament.

"If you have to respond to an armed intruder, you have to have the equipment to do that. I hope that never happens - I really do - but hope is not a strategy. We will plan for the worst and hope for the best, in a sense," he told budget estimates on July 30.

"If we do have an armed intruder from, for example, a fixated individual, and we know that the number of those threats are increasing - I know that some of our members, particularly the Minister for Police or the Minister for Mental Health and so on are particularly vulnerable - we want to make sure that if something happens, those security guards can respond."

Police Minister Marisa Paterson said the attack on Dr Haines was a dark day for Australia and the country could not shy away from the fact threats and violence were overwhelmingly directed at women.

"The heart of my job is standing out the front of the shops and talking to the community, and the fact that incidents like what happened last night starts to put that into question and starts to threaten that accessibility, which I think is fundamental to democracy in Australia," Dr Paterson told ABC radio.

The Greens' Laura Nuttall has said her party was concerned by the introduction of armed guards.

"The issue is not whether security should be strengthened. The issue is whether this particular measure is necessary, proportionate and supported by appropriate consultation," Ms Nuttall told the Assembly in September.

"The audit certainly recommended an uplift in our security workforce capabilities, but it did not recommend a security force equipped with firearms. In fact it suggested that despite any vulnerabilities, the Assembly's overall posture was and is appropriate to its context."

In 2025, ACT Greens deputy leader Andrew Braddock told an Assembly debate he had received violent threats after posting online to condemn anti-immigration rallies.

"That is why it is important for those here, as an Assembly, to stand up against the division and the hate that is going on in the community, and to be able to show that we, as the parliamentary leaders, as the community representatives, are standing against this fear, this hate and this division," Mr Braddock said in September 2025.

In 2023, Mr Barr revealed he had sought police intervention over a stalking incident and a "stubbornly consistent" element of the regular abuse he received was homophobic.

DPG Mounted Team

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:00:07 GMT

The Diplomatic Protection Group (DPG) has launched the DPG Mounted Team, a new and forward‑leaning initiative designed to strengthen both visual deterrence and community engagement across the organisation’s operational environments.

The introduction of a mounted capability reflects DPG’s commitment to evolving, modernising, and diversifying its security presence in ways that are highly visible, approachable, and effective.

A key driver behind the initiative is the unique expertise within DPG’s leadership.

The organisation’s Business Manager is a formally trained Mounted Trooper, bringing years of operational service with both the NSW Police Mounted Unit and the ACT Policing Mounted Patrols. This depth of experience has shaped the program’s development, ensuring that the mounted capability is grounded in professional standards, operational discipline, and proven policing methodology.

The team’s first operational trial was an overwhelming success. Conducted at the Oceania Reining Horse Championships in Tatura, Victoria, from 21–26 September 2026, the deployment demonstrated the value of mounted security in real‑world conditions. The horses provided a strong visual presence, enhanced crowd engagement, and supported a safe, welcoming event environment. Feedback from organisers, competitors, and spectators reinforced the effectiveness of the mounted approach.

DPG is excited about the future of the Mounted Team, recognising its potential to support events, community activities, and specialised security operations. The successful trial has laid a strong foundation for expanding this capability and integrating it into DPG’s broader protective‑security framework.

DPG Secures Office of the Legislative Assembly Contract, Canberra

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 04:42:03 GMT

Diplomatic Protection Group (DPG) has successfully secured the contract to provide security services to the Office of the Legislative Assembly in Canberra, further strengthening DPG's presence within the government and public sector security environment.

This contract represents a significant milestone for the organisation and demonstrates confidence in DPG's ability to deliver professional, intelligence-led security services to a high-profile government facility. The engagement will focus on maintaining a safe and secure environment for elected representatives, staff, visitors, and key assets while supporting the operational needs of the Legislative Assembly.

The contract also provides a strategic growth opportunity for DPG, with the security model scheduled to transition to an armed capability towards the end of 2026. This evolution reflects the changing security landscape and the increasing requirement for enhanced protective measures within critical government infrastructure.

The transition will be supported through careful planning, specialised training, compliance frameworks, and workforce development to ensure the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and operational readiness are maintained throughout the process.

This achievement reinforces DPG's position as a trusted provider of government, diplomatic, and critical infrastructure security services and highlights the organisation's continued commitment to delivering exceptional security outcomes across Australia.

Statement 14 December 2025

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:28:10 GMT

The founding members of the Diplomatic Protection Group have shared a lengthy history in support of security operations with the Jewish community in Australia. While serving as Federal Agents attached to the highly specialized Close Protection unit within the Australian Federal Police, we have demonstrated our commitment to the protection and safety of the Jewish community. Our guardianship included dedicated protective service details for three Israeli Ambassadors and a former Israeli Prime Minister.

We condemn the horrific events that occurred in Bondi on Sunday the 14th of December not only as agents charged with the protection of members of the Jewish community but as Australians. The cowardice to take up arms against defenceless men women and children of all backgrounds and ages, speaks volumes to the depravity and psychopathic reasoning of the offenders.

Diplomatic Protection Group continues to proudly support front line defence capabilities to several foreign and diplomatic missions, including services in support of security operations for the Jewish community. In collaboration with CSG, the Australian Federal and State Police services - DPG stands as sentinels ready to detect, disrupt and deter any threat posed against our valued clients and partner agencies.

As an organisation, as professionals, and as Australians, we express our profound sadness at the loss of these precious lives. We extend our sincere condolences to those who were tragically lost on Sunday, 14 December, and to their loved ones.