Ryan Harder, 40, was charged with joint commission of arson, assaulting a frontline community service provider and obstructing a public official.

The joint commission legal principle broadly covers complicity.

The prosecution opposed bail, arguing Harder’s alleged offences were serious and he was a flight risk.

It was also argued that his “sovereign citizen” beliefs – where he doesn’t believe in the court’s jurisdiction – didn’t offer him an incentive to reappear at the next court date.

Defence lawyer Georgia Le Couteur argued there was no evidence to suggest Harder wouldn’t appear before the court and follow any bail conditions given his lack of criminal history.

Magistrate Robert Cook said he was satisfied bail conditions would ameliorate the risk of Harder not returning to court.

But Mr Cook expressed reservations about the possibility of reoffending, given the allegations Harder pushed two police officers down the stairs outside Old Parliament House.

Le Couteur implored the magistrate to consider the mobile phone footage of the alleged incident “with some circumspect given mob mentality”.

Cook granted bail on the condition Harder leave the ACT and not enter aside from court dates and legal appointments, reside at his home in Victoria and present to police once a week, and not contact any co-accused.

Cook warned Harder “you will find yourself in difficulty” if he failed to comply.

The matter is expected to return to court later in February for Harder to enter a plea.

Two other men have been charged in relation to the fire on December 30.

Nicholas Reed was charged with arson and damaging commonwealth property, while Bruce Shillingsworth Jr was charged with abetting arson as police allege he blocked emergency services from reaching the doors as the fire was started.

Police investigations into the fire and people associated with the protest on the day continue.