Western Australia grants police expanded authority ahead of major defence expo
Police in Western Australia have received temporary powers to search bags, set up checkpoints and ban individuals ahead of the Land Fields 2026 defence exhibition in Perth.
In preparation for Land Fields 2026, Australia’s largest land-defence trade show, Western Australian police have been granted a suite of temporary powers lasting ten days. These include the ability to search bags and vehicles, set up checkpoints, cordon streets and seize objects considered hazardous. The authority also covers the removal of homeless individuals and the exclusion of persons who have displayed problematic behaviour, with bans enforced through facial-recognition systems.
WA Police Minister Reece Whitby stressed the aim is to ensure a safe event after disruptions at the last Melbourne edition, but he insisted protesters would still be allowed to voice their views. Greens MLC Sophie McNeill criticised the legislation as an overreach targeting peaceful activists. Anti-war and environmental groups plan demonstrations in Perth city centre during the expo.
Why it matters
The expanded police powers could affect civil liberties and set a precedent for security measures at future large-scale events.
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