Like seagulls on a hot chip, journalists will swoop on Malcolm Turnbull at any opportunity. Whether he's waiting for a bus near his Point Piper home or downing a banana split with Clive Palmer, the Minister for Communications always draws a crowd.

So it was at Parliament House on Tuesday when Turnbull emerged from an International Women's Day breakfast. While Prime Minister Tony Abbott evaded media questioning, Turnbull entertained the press pack with tales about his use of the self-destructing messaging service Wickr. It was a cordial affair until one security guard placed a rope bollard behind the mass of reporters, photographers and camera operators.

Media pen at the ministerial entrance at Parliament House in Canberra. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

It was a dangerous decision given the media were walking backwards and many were clutching heavy, expensive equipment. The guard smiled, acknowledging he knew what he was up to. This happened in the Mural Hall, an area where media access is classed as unrestricted.

Channel Nine's bureau chief has written a letter of complaint about the incident; so has the Press Gallery Committee.