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Climate activists banned from Perth defence expo security zone, label powers 'draconian'

WA Police establish 10-day 'fort' around Land Forces Expo; six individuals served exclusion letters

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Sources2 outlets
The Cook government has been criticised by climate activists and anti-war groups after police issued exclusion letters banning six individuals from a security zone around the Land Forces Expo in Perth next week, with a senior police commander describing the zone as a 'fort'.

The Greens and the WA Anti-War Collective said they were aware of six people who had received police letters this week banning them from entering the security zone that will be in place around the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday.

The security zone, created under powers passed by WA parliament last month, covers the convention centre and Elizabeth Quay busport for a period of 10 days around the event. Within the zone, police can ban people, stop and search anyone, remove face coverings, and confiscate a range of items including speakers, microphones, dangerous animals, insects (including bees), and items that could be used as weapons such as flares and bottles.

WA Police Commander Darren Sivright, the senior officer in charge of the operation, described the security zone as a "fort".

Activists have slammed the Cook government for what they describe as "draconian" police powers that restrict the right to protest near the defence industry trade show.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The use of exclusion orders and broad police powers raises questions about the balance between security and the right to peaceful protest in Western Australia.
  • The Land Forces Expo is a major defence industry event, and tensions around it have historically drawn large protests.
  • The outcome of this standoff could set a precedent for how future large events in Perth are policed.

Background

The Land Forces Expo is a biennial defence industry exhibition held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The new police powers, passed last month, were introduced specifically for this event. They establish a 10-day security zone that includes the convention centre and the adjacent Elizabeth Quay busport, granting police broad stop-and-search and exclusion authority.

Key Perspectives

Activists (Greens, WA Anti-War Collective): The powers are "draconian" and an overreach that stifles lawful protest. They argue that excluding known activists from the area prevents them from exercising democratic rights. WA Police: Commander Sivright has characterised the security zone as a "fort", indicating a high-security posture. The powers are designed to prevent disruption and ensure the safety of attendees, exhibitors, and the public.

What to Watch

  • Whether further exclusion letters are issued in the coming days as the expo begins.
  • The scale and nature of any planned protests during the event.
  • Potential legal challenges to the exclusion orders or the underlying police powers.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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