Western Australia proposes sweeping police powers for upcoming defence expo
Ahead of the Land Forces defence exhibition in Perth, Western Australian authorities plan to grant police broad search and banning powers and allocate an extra $11.5 million for security.
Western Australia is preparing for the Land Forces defence and weapons expo scheduled for early October, anticipating roughly 10,000 domestic and overseas attendees at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. To avoid repeat disturbances like those seen at the 2024 Melbourne event, the state plans to introduce temporary legislation granting police the authority to close roads, conduct searches without cause, and ban individuals, especially those linked to prior protests.
The powers extend to surrounding areas such as Mounts Bay Road, Elizabeth Quay train station and bus port, and allow seizure of items deemed potentially harmful, including reptiles, insects, ropes and glass bottles. The government has allocated an extra $11.5 million for security, with $4.4 million dedicated to new equipment and a facial-recognition system to enforce bans. Human Rights Law Centre legal director Sarah Schwartz warns the measures may be unconstitutional and could exacerbate tensions, while Police Commissioner Blanch contends they will protect peaceful protest. The proposed laws will be debated in the WA upper house, with the state government asserting their legality.
Why it matters
The proposed powers could reshape how protests are managed at major events and raise constitutional concerns.
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