- Special powers are now in place until 10 October 2026 for Land Forces conference
- Additional powers only operate within designated security areas to keep the community safe
- Powers last used during 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
- Additional powers designed to help Police manage the event and respond to any dangerous or violent behaviour
The Cook Labor Government's Land Forces (Special Powers) Act 2026 in now in full effect giving Western Australia Police officers the additional powers they need to keep the community safe during Land Forces 2026 event.
Land Forces 2026 will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 6-8 October, bringing thousands of interstate and international delegates to Perth.
The time limited and temporary powers will provide WA Police with additional tools to manage public safety and security during the event, including the ability to establish checkpoints, cordons, and roadblocks, while also searching people, bags, and vehicles, and issue lawful directions for a 10-day period.
Police may also seize prohibited items that could pose a safety risk or be used to disrupt the event, while people who fail to comply with reasonable directions may be refused entry or directed to leave the designated security area.
The powers, which passed the WA Parliament in September, are intended to deter dangerous or violent behaviour before it occurs and will only apply from 1-10 October within designated protected areas, such as around the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre during the event period, and a short periods either side of the conference set-up and pack-down activities.
The Cook Labor Government recognises the right of people to peacefully gather and protest. However, that right must be balanced with the need to maintain public order and ensure the safety of attendees, workers, and the wider community.
Land Forces 2026 will strengthen police infrastructure and operational capability, and is expected to deliver significant strategic, economic, and industrial benefits for Western Australia and Australia.
Comments attributed to Police Minister Reece Whitby:
"The Land Forces special powers are now in full effect giving the WA Police Force the tools they need to keep the community safe before, during and after Land Forces 2026.
"WA Police will have a highly visible presence around the event precinct, and anyone who chooses to put public safety at risk can expect to be dealt with appropriately.
"The violence we saw in Melbourne at the Land Forces event in 2024 has no place in our community, and we do not want to see those scenes repeated here in Perth, and that's why we've introduced these additional, time limited powers to keep the community, delegates and Police safe."
