By Samantha Hayes
Protests over a tent 'embassy' in Canberra have led to a major security scare for the Australian prime minister.
Julia Gillard had to be dragged to safety by riot police after dozens of protesters surrounded the building she and opposition leader Tony Abbott were in, after Mr Abbott said the embassy should be closed.
It's an Australia Day Ms Gillard will have etched in her mind.
Protesters surrounded the restaurant she Mr Abbott were inside and trapped them for nearly 30 minutes, chanting: "Always was, always will be aboriginal land."
Police and the riot squad arrived and the prime minister's security stepped in. Ms Gillard, in a white jacket, was dragged to a waiting vehicle.
Her office insists she wasn't tackled, but tripped and lost a shoe.
Looking distraught, she was shielded from protestors and bundled into a car.
Moments later, Mr Abbott was safely next to her. But as they drove away, angry protesters continued to try and block their path.
The group had gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the aboriginal tent embassy, but were angered by Mr Abbott's comments it should be disbanded.
"What do you expect us to do when we're 200 yards away from a person who makes that comment?" said protester Fred Hooper.
Mr Abbott said it wasn't needed as relations had come a long way.
"I think its maybe time to move on from that," he said.
No arrests were made over the security scare, and Ms Gillard wasn't injured.
3 News