The Department of Social Services has spent $236,000 installing bollards around its new building.

The department’s new headquarters for the department, which have been named after Dame Enid Lyons, cost $172 million overall.

According to AusTender, that includes $236,133.70 for Australian Security Fencing to install the security bollards.

“The supply and installation of steel anti-ram bollards are for the new Department of Social Services National Office,” a department spokesperson said.

“This is a security measure.”

The department did not outline any specific risks that make the spending necessary.

“Consistent with normal security practises for Australian Government buildings, static security bollards are being installed on the remaining perimeter of the department's premises at 71 Athllon Drive Greenway,” the spokesperson said.

“This is a continuation of the existing perimeter static security bollards already in place, and the additional bollards will be similar in style and nature.”

Security expert Roger Henning has told reporters that this kind of installation is important.

“I would totally endorse the investment,” Mr Henning, executive chair of Homeland Security Asia/Pacific, told Fairfax Media.

“The reality is government buildings and facilities are potential targets for terrorists and people who are disturbed and people who have a grudge,” Mr Henning said.

“The professionalism that involves the protection of government facilities in Canberra is spot on, there's always a need to constantly review physical protection.”