House of Assembly Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1) 53 1 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Parliament House Matters Parliament House Matters Parliament House Security Parliament House Security Ms CHAPMAN House of Assembly Bragg Deputy Leader of the Opposition Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:05): A point of clarification, if I may, on another matter. It has come to my attention and to other members of the chamber that, within the responsibility that you have in respect of the conduct of proceedings within the chamber, as a result of a declaration I think issued by the Commissioner of Police, representatives of our security in the parliament are now wearing handguns, and that includes within this chamber. I would seek some indication from you to the chamber as to the circumstances that led up to that. As I understand, on the inquiry I have made, senior members of our House of Assembly personnel and those of the Legislative Council have conferred as a result— The Speaker House of Assembly The SPEAKER: You want us to be able to arm as well? Ms CHAPMAN House of Assembly Ms CHAPMAN: No, I don't, sir. In fact, if you asked my view, I think it is a sad day when guns are allowed in any parliament house at all, let alone a chamber. However, I just ask that you perhaps report back to the house at a time convenient to you as to under what authority this has been done and whether in fact there are going to be any other changes. I simply raise it because, as I understand it, there is a logistical difficulty in being able to properly secure our chamber and also facilitate our security officers being able to deposit their arms in a repository that is safe. I will leave the matter in your capable hands, Mr Speaker, but I would appreciate some response. The Speaker House of Assembly The SPEAKER (14:07): In 2009, I attended the Holy Liturgy at Simonopetra Monastery on Mount Athos and I was guarded by two astynomia (Greek police) owing to the bikie legislation of the time. They came to church wearing guns.