Security ramped up at parliament

Security arrangements have been ramped up at Parliament House as politicians return to Canberra ahead of a sitting fortnight.

An AFP officer is seen at the Ministerial Wing of Parliament House

Security has been ramped up at Parliament House as politicians return to Canberra. (AAP)

Security arrangements have been ramped up at Parliament House in response to an increased terror threat, as politicians return to Canberra ahead of a sitting fortnight.

Counter terrorism will dominate the parliamentary agenda with Prime Minister Tony Abbott to deliver a "security statement" to the lower house on Monday.

Attorney-General George Brandis will introduce a second tranche of anti-terrorism laws on Wednesday, targeting Australians who fight with or support terrorist groups overseas.

He will also lead a debate starting on Monday on expanding the powers of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop and Senate President Stephen Parry on Sunday night ordered of lockdown of the ministerial wing.

They've also issued a ban on unaccompanied passes.

Federal police are expected to take over security arrangements of the building.

Shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus said the previous Labor government had strengthened security at Parliament House.

"I was very surprised when we had the situation earlier this year that security arrangements were in fact lightened," he told ABC radio.

However, he felt safe in the building.

Parliamentary secretary Steven Ciobo said there was a need to be vigilant but not concerned.

"I remain very relaxed that we maintain excellent security standards," he told reporters in Canberra, where extra police watched over the politicians arriving at work.

Labor backbencher Lisa Chesters said she'd always felt safe at Parliament House and the security officers did a great job.

"It's one of the safest buildings we have in Australia," she said.

Australian Greens deputy leader Adam Bandt criticised Mr Abbott for snubbing a major climate change leaders' summit when he travels to New York this week for United Nations talks on terrorism.

"(Climate change) is one of the biggest threats to the Australian way of life we have faced," he said.

Mr Bandt said that last year more people were displaced by natural disasters than they were by wars.

Palmer United Party senator Jacqui Lambie said she felt at ease following the security upgrade.

"I'm not concerned about my own safety on Australian soil, nor should I be," she said.

"Nor should any other Australian be concerned about safety on home soil."

Senator Lambie stands by her controversial comments Muslims who adhere to sharia law should get out of the country.

PUP leader Clive Palmer appears to have distanced himself from that stance, tweeting that Australians need to remain united.

"We have strong obligations towards each other. We have lots in common, we love our families, freedom & our efforts to help each other."


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