AUSTRALIA Day protests in Canberra were “peaceful and respectful”, say ACT police, who were not required to respond to any major incidents and, by late this afternoon,  there had been no arrests. 

Police escorted protest marches from Civic to Parliament House, Old Parliament House and the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, ensuring minimal disruption to traffic along the route.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, located in front of Old Parliament House.

In 1972, the embassy was set up on the lawns of Old Parliament House to protest at the federal government’s refusal to acknowledge Aboriginal Land Rights. It remains one of the longest running protest sites in the world.

The steps leading down to the Tent Embassy. Photo: Helen Musa

Visitors listen to a speaker art the tent Embassy. Photo: Helen Musa

A message at the sound desk. Photo: Helen Musa

A photo display of earlier protests. Photo: Helen Musa

Part of the crowd listening to speakers. Photo: Helen Musa

The crowd gathered at the Tent Embassy site this afternoon was described as “pretty impressive”.

“There were cars parked on median strips and grassed areas all around the embassy where people joined  in a more or less socially distant fashion to listen to talks about the history of the Aboriginal sovereignty movement, to practice their dances, including the famous Malyon (eagle) dance and  simply to catch up with friends and relatives,” said one attendee.

Police say that after weeks of planning in consultation with the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, ACT and Federal Governments Departments, police operations ensured the safety of the Canberra community and important landmarks in parliamentary triangle.

More than 150 police were deployed to scheduled events across the ACT.