Australia's peak body for architects has backed down on its opposition to a security fence around Parliament House, just weeks after its own petition against the controversial plan attracted nearly 4000 signatures.
In December, the Australian Institute of Architects said it was "deeply concerned" by a decision to build a fence along the building's sloping lawns, warning it would destroy the character, heritage and symbolism of the national Parliament.
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Parliamentary fence divides Senate
Even though few MPs relish restricting public access to parliament, the debate raged on in the Senate chamber.
But the group has backed down after its president, Ken Maher, and other representatives were invited to a confidential briefing with Department of Parliamentary Services secretary Robert Stefanic.
Speaker Tony Smith and Senate President Stephen Parry have refused to release information about the 2.6 metre steel fence, citing security concerns. Plans for the fences across the sloping lawns at the front of the building were rushed through Parliament as politicians prepared to leave Canberra for the Christmas break. The exact location, design and cost are yet to be made public.
In a statement to institute members on Tuesday, Mr Maher said the briefing had clarified the new fence and other upgrades had been designed by architects Guida Moseley Brown, in consultation with architects who worked alongside the building's late creator, Romaldo Giurgola.
"While it is unfortunate that in these times of heightened security threats additional security measures are necessary, we are satisfied the work will be undertaken in a well-considered manner, and with minimal visual impact," he said.
"Importantly the proposals retain public access to the grassed ramps and internally to the base of the flag masts. We have offered some minor comments that could further reduce the visual impact."
The comments are a significant reversal from his previous statement, saying the plan "failed to deliver" critical security for the building and access for the public. The institute had also described the rushed planning and lack of adequate consultation as "unacceptable and a slippery slope".
![A new fence will cut across the lawns at the front of Parliament House.](/web/20170125114029im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/f/j/c/h/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gty72d.png/1485341549546.jpg)
The institute's online petition was closed as a result of the briefing, despite having attracted 3700 signatures.
The Speaker's office and Guida Moseley Brown referred questions about the fence to the Department of Parliamentary Services this week.
![Fencing already surrounds the ministerial entrance at the back of Parliament House.](/web/20170125114029im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/z/d/7/b/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gty72d.png/1485341549546.jpg)
A spokeswoman for the department, which runs Parliament House, said the timeline for construction had not been finalised.
On Tuesday, plans for a new 3.5 metre fence outside the White House were approved. The Washington DC fence will be 1.4 metres taller than its predecessor and will including stronger metal pickets and anti-climbing features.
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