False Bomb Scare at NSW Parliament After Years-Old Replica Discovered

A bomb scare at NSW Parliament last Monday night, which saw specialist officers rush to the scene, was revealed to be an embarrassing false alarm involving a 3D-printed replica of an explosive.

The object was spotted on the office door or window of Nationals MP Geoff Provest at Parliament House on Macquarie Street in Sydney around 10:30 p.m. Security staff, concerned about the item, contacted authorities, leading to the deployment of bomb disposal officers. Upon arrival, the specialists determined the device was a 'non-functional 3D-printed replica.'

Sources indicated that the replica had been attached to Provest's office since shortly after the 2023 state election and had gone unnoticed for an extended period. Parliamentary security reportedly attempted to contact Provest multiple times as concerns grew, but the MP was asleep and missed the calls. The incident also prompted overnight calls to senior parliamentary officials, including Speaker Greg Piper, as emergency protocols were enacted.

Described by several sources as a novelty item, the object had become a familiar sight outside the MP's office. The exact origin of the replica remains unclear, though parliamentary sources confirmed Provest had possessed it for some time. No charges have been laid, and police have closed the matter, with officials acknowledging it as an embarrassing episode.

This incident follows a more serious event at NSW Parliament in December 2013, when a man drove his car onto the footpath outside the building and claimed to have explosives. That situation led to a lockdown of the parliamentary precinct and a response from specialist police, negotiators, and the bomb squad. The man involved was later released into the care of family and medical professionals after charges were dismissed due to concerns about his mental health.