Tuesday 6 October 2026
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Perth CBD shutters for Land Forces weapons expo as police get special powers

About a dozen people excluded from the event site; peaceful anti-war march planned for this afternoon

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time1 min
Sources4 outlets
Parts of the Perth CBD were closed this morning as the Land Forces Exhibition got underway at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, with a heavy police presence and special powers deployed after violent protests at the same event in Melbourne two years ago.

The international weapons expo, which runs from today through Thursday, is expected to attract thousands of visitors, with nearly 1000 organisations from 60 different countries hosting exhibits.

Police were visible in force outside the venue this morning, and commuters have been warned to expect delays on Mounts Bay Road, with parking closures in effect from today through to Thursday.

Officers have been given special powers to keep the peace following violent protests against the event in Melbourne two years ago. Around 12 people have been excluded from coming near the Perth event.

A peaceful anti-war protest is planned for this afternoon, with demonstrators to march from Yagan Square to Elizabeth Quay.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The expo draws thousands of visitors and nearly 1000 exhibitor organisations from 60 countries, making it a significant event on Perth's calendar with major transport disruptions across the CBD.
  • The policing response, including special powers and exclusion orders, reflects heightened tensions around defence industry gatherings in Australia after violent protests in Melbourne.
  • The planned march will test whether authorities and demonstrators can keep the event peaceful this time.

Background

The Land Forces Exhibition is a major international defence industry trade show held in Australia, showcasing land warfare equipment and technology. It has become a focal point for anti-war and climate activists, who argue such events promote the arms trade. Protests at the Melbourne edition two years ago turned violent, prompting organisers and police to adopt more stringent security measures for subsequent events. Perth has hosted the expo before, and this year's gathering has drawn a significant security operation from the outset.

Key Perspectives

Police and organisers: Authorities have established a firm security perimeter around the venue, with special powers granted to officers and a dozen people excluded from the area, aiming to prevent a repeat of the Melbourne violence and keep the event running smoothly. Anti-war protesters: Organisers of the planned march have emphasised that their demonstration will be peaceful, with participants gathering at Yagan Square and moving to Elizabeth Quay to voice opposition to the weapons trade. Critics and sceptics: Activists and civil liberties groups may view the special policing powers and exclusion orders as heavy-handed, potentially restricting legitimate protest rights around a controversial event.

What to Watch

  • Whether this afternoon's march from Yagan Square to Elizabeth Quay remains peaceful, and how police respond.
  • The extent of continued traffic delays and parking closures on Mounts Bay Road through Thursday.
  • Any further exclusions or arrests as the expo continues over the coming days.

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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