Embassy of Russia, Canberra

The site formerly had a Russian elementary school in its eastern portion, demolished in 2021 and replaced with what appears to be an accommodation block.

Vladimir Petrov was an official at the embassy, who defected to Australia in 1954 after contacting the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

"The Home Affairs Bill 2023 terminates, on commencement, the relevant lease... ", effectively returning the land to the Commonwealth of Australia which would be "liable to pay a reasonable amount of compensation".

The Bill was said to be necessary "to protect Australia's national security interests", according to Clare O’Neil MP, Minister for Home Affairs.

The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, commented that "A bloke standing in the cold on a blade of grass in Canberra is not a threat to our national security.