Work continues on Parliament House fence

A new security fence around Parliament House is taking shape, with large panels installed on the lawns surrounding the building.

The 2.6 metre high fence protecting much of the perimeter is part of the building's $126.7 million security upgrade.

Work took a major step forward on Tuesday, with cranes lifting the panels with thin vertical bars onto the sloping lawn ramps.

The public will still be able to access the roof of Parliament House via an internal lift.

Senate President Stephen Parry told a parliamentary committee in May the fence had been designed to maximise public access while minimising its visual impact.