The 1980s in Canberra saw a flash of action against housing shortages and inaction on housing, with the construction site of Parliament House seen as a symbol of a government ignoring its election promises and instead spending on selfish luxury.
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On this day 34 years ago, The Canberra Times reported on its front page 18 people had been arrested, and dragged kicking, from the information exhibit at the new Parliament House construction site, which they occupied for 90 minutes.
Harold Luebbers, a group leader from the Tenancy Union of Victoria, said the group had made their point and secured some prime media coverage. He said the group wanted to shame the federal government into sticking to its housing policies.
A group of about 50 people moved into the centre and placed slogans over the exhibits, accusing the government of failing on its election promises to increase funding for public housing.
One sign said the luxury understood to be included in the Prime Minister's suite was enough to buy four good houses.
Group spokeswoman Barbara Alexander said the exhibit was paid for by their taxes and a public place, where they intended to spend the night.
It took police reinforcements of 40 officers to encourage some of the group to leave - 14 made a dash by side door, followed by another group of 15 - before the others were arrested, with fights breaking out outside the exhibit.
