The Deputy Leader of the Nationals has condemned an alleged incident of arson that saw Old Parliament House in Canberra set alight.

Police and firefighters were called to the scene late this morning to find people reportedly yelling “let it burn”.

David Littleproud told Chris O’Keefe it’s hugely disappointing to see.

“This is a symbol of our democracy,” he said. “The police need to investigate this quickly, it’s an alleged arson.

“The full force of the law should be brought against the individual that’s done this, no matter what their cause is, no matter what their beliefs are.

“No one has the right to do that in this country because what underpins our democracy, what underpins our freedoms is this one word called ‘respect’.”

Press PLAY below to hear David Littleproud’s response in full