MPs warned about supervising Parliament House tour groups after spate of thefts and property damage, leaked note reveals

Visiting tour groups – especially those involving schoolchildren – are stealing politicians’ possessions and damaging state parliament items, insiders claim.

Authorities have warned MPs to be careful when hosting popular visitor tours of parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

Visiting tour groups, especially those involving schoolchildren, are stealing politicians’ possessions – such as lollies – and damaging state parliament items, insiders claim.

A leaked note from parliamentary authorities reveals a spate of thefts and other property damage were reported in the corridors of power, and both chambers, during the winter break over the past two months.

The alert, issued as politicians formally returned to Parliament House last week for the first time since July 6, urged all guests be aware of the “heritage nature” of the lower and upper houses.

While specifics about what was stolen or damaged were not disclosed, sources claimed “minor” items such as pens, lollies, chewing gum and chocolate had gone missing.

In an August 23 “tour etiquette” note to all 69 state MPs, their electorate offices and parliamentary-based political advisers, House of Assembly clerk Rick Crump revealed several “issues” emerged during a busy time.

“We have had property damage and theft in both Chambers, and concerns raised about how the microphones are handled,” he wrote.

“Please make sure all guests understand the heritage nature of the Chambers and remind them to be respectful of our furnishings, equipment and Member belongings.”

Authorities said items had been stolen from both parliament chambers including the House of Assembly, seen here during Question Time. Picture: Emma Brasier/ NCA NewsWire

He also advised all tour groups must be logged in the official system, to help with security and stop overcrowding, stick to times and quietly walk around – especially from public galleries.

MPs must also seek teacher permission when taking photographs of minors, must not host tours after hours and no later than 4pm, while the president of Legislative Council’s chair and clerks’ table should not be accessed.

In June, parliamentary authorities ordered new security at the epicentre of the city’s anti-social crisis around state parliament to stop it being constantly used as a toilet.

Members from both Houses in the Legislative Council during the opening of the 55th Parliament. Picture: Brenton Edwards

President of the Legislative Council Terry Stephens said he “respected” Mr Crump’s intent to preserve the popular pastime.

Police have also launched a crackdown on anti-social behaviour around a hotspot North Tce.

Legislative Council president, Liberal MP Terry Stephens, said he “respected” Mr Crump’s intent to preserve the popular pastime.

“The South Australian parliament is one of the most successful throughout the world – and I’ve managed to visit a number … in different countries – at being open to the public,” he said.

“A lot of people are very surprised that we are very accessible. All we ask is for people who are coming into the parliament are respectful of the place.

“It’s a member of parliament’s workplace, they leave personal things in their drawers.

“It is just about common sense really, that’s all we would really ask so we can continue that accessibility to the public.

“We love having people come into parliament. The more people who come through, they understand how it works, that we’re not some strange alien being and the mystery disappears.

“When they sit on the benches we spend hours sitting on, they realise we’re people who go about their jobs to the best of our ability debating issues and trying to make good decisions for the public.”

Mr Crump on Sunday would not elaborate on any specific damage, including if it was malicious or accidental.

“It was a general reminder when taking people through to be careful,” he said.

“Some parliaments don’t allow (access) on the chamber floor. It’s not necessarily a free for all for all (elsewhere).”

Lower house speaker Dan Cregan declined to comment.

Originally published as MPs warned about supervising Parliament House tour groups after spate of thefts and property damage, leaked note reveals