The federal police have launched an investigation into possible arson after a fire damaged the Old Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday.
Flames burnt the front doors of the Heritage-listed building, causing "tragic" and potentially irreparable damage, according to Museum of Australian Democracy director Daryl Karp.
The fire broke out amid a protest at the entrance and also caused extensive damage to the portico.
In an update on Friday, the Australian Federal Police said it would work with ACT Policing to identify protestors responsible for the fire.
In a statement, the police said: "The establishment of the taskforce, which will build on investigations that began immediately yesterday, underscores the zero-tolerance authorities have for violence, destruction of property and assaulting police.
"Those who break the law will be arrested and charged.
"The taskforce will use the AFP’s world-leading forensics and technological capability to identify and locate those responsible for damaging Commonwealth property, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
"A number of other State and Commonwealth offences are also being investigated, including arson, which carries a penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment and incitement, which carries a sentence of up to seven years’ imprisonment."
Protesters have been outside Old Parliament House for more than a week and began a traditional smoking ceremony on Thursday.
Protesters stand in front of the burned out entrance doors to Old Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP
In a statement, the Aboriginal Tent Embassy said: "The actions of such protestors conducting a "Smoking Ceremony" was done so without the knowledge, consent or mandate of the Embassy's council or Traditional Owners responsible for regulation of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.
"Although we support the concept of nonviolent direct action, we do not condone the destruction of public and private property."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking at a press conference, said he was "disgusted and appalled" by the fire.
Firefighters were called to the Old Parliament House. Source: AAP
He added: "I just think it's appalling and I think it's disgraceful, and I think that the authorities should act swiftly and in accordance with the law and people should face the consequences for their actions.
"I'm disgusted and appalled by their behaviour that would see Australians come and set fire to such a symbol of democracy in this country."
The building ceased being used as the home for parliament in 1988 and is now home to the Museum of Australian Democracy.
