For the first time in Australian history, armed guards are protecting MPs and senators in both chambers of the Federal Parliament.

The escalation of parliamentary security is part of the the second tranche of security changes put in place by the Speaker Bronwyn Bishop and Senate President Stephen Parry.

The armed guards will be in place whenever a member of the executive, which includes Prime Minister Tony Abbott, are in the chamber. Credit:Andrew Meares

Fairfax Media has confirmed that several guards with guns are now stationed on the ground level of the House of Representatives and the Senate, in a glass-enclosed booth where the parliamentary audio visual department located.

The changes were put in place on Monday. From now on the highly-trained guards will be present whenever a member of the executive is present and on any other occasion it is deemed necessary for the guards to be in place.