Why This Matters

• The new exclusion powers carry severe penalties, including up to three years in prison, for entering a designated area without police approval.
• The dispute tests the balance between security arrangements for a major defence event and the right to protest in Australia.
• The outcome could set a precedent for how police manage demonstrations at future defence expos.

Background

Land Forces is a major defence exhibition focused on weapons and military technology, held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The WA government introduced new laws last month giving police special powers to establish security areas around the event and exclude people from them.

Key Perspectives

Activists and Greens MP: The bans are a heavy-handed attempt to block peaceful protest and silence critics of the arms trade. They are planning legal action against the orders. WA Police and government: The exclusion powers are a security measure designed to protect a high-profile event in a public area and those attending it. Critics of the new laws: The penalties are disproportionate, and the powers are broad enough to turn lawful protest into criminal conduct.

What to Watch

• Whether the promised legal action is filed before the expo opens on 6 October.
• How police enforce the exclusion orders if activists approach the security zone.
• Any court ruling on the scope of the new powers, which could affect future defence events.