SYDNEY, July 4, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Protesters scaled Australia's national parliament on Thursday, unfurling banners reading "Palestine will be free" and "No peace on stolen land".

The demonstration follows recent divisions within Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor government, which suspended a Muslim Senator who crossed the floor to vote in favour of Australia recognising a Palestinian state.

Senator Fatima Payman said she had been "exiled" after supporting the parliamentary motion -- put forward by the Greens party -- in defiance of government policy.

Protest group Renegade Activists told Australian media they would "not forget" and "not forgive" Albanese, accusing him of complicity in the Gaza war.

Clad in black and wearing keffiyeh, the small group of protesters climbed the facade at the entrance to Australia's parliament before rolling out several large black-and-white banners.

Opposition senator James Paterson said it was a "serious breach of the parliament's security".

Like many of its Western allies, Australia's foreign policy does not recognise a Palestinian state.

Canberra has expressed its support for an eventual two-state solution.
The public entrance to Australia's parliament was briefly locked down on Thursday after a separate group of climate activists glued themselves to pillars in the lobby.