WA Police Ban Activists From Land Forces Expo Security Zone October 2

Western Australia police have banned at least six climate activists from entering a security zone around Perth’s Land Forces defence expo using new powers that passed parliament last month. The 10-day exclusion zone covers the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and Elizabeth Quay busport. Police can stop and search anyone, remove face coverings, and confiscate items including speakers, microphones, and flares. The expo runs October 6-8 and expects 10,000 overseas and interstate visitors.

What the new police powers allow

The temporary legislation gives WA Police Commander Darren Seivwright and officers broad authority within the security zone. Police can ban people, establish checkpoints and roadblocks, and seize prohibited items. They can also remove face coverings and issue lawful directions for 10 days. Homeless people will be moved on. Officers will use facial recognition technology to enforce bans. WA Police Minister Reece Whitby said the powers are needed for a “heightened security environment.”

Why activists received ban letters

A police spokesman said excluded people had “earned it through previous suboptimal behaviour” and some have criminal histories. Climate activist Will Shanahan, 18, posted their ban letter to Instagram on Wednesday. Shanahan was fined AUD 800 in April for disrupting a Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA event featuring Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The Greens and WA Anti-War Collective said six people they knew had received police letters this week banning them from the expo zone.

The 2024 Melbourne violence that prompted this response

Protests at Land Forces 2024 in Victoria led to clashes between protesters and police. Activists splashed horses with urine and acid, threw ball bearings under police horse hooves, started fires, and threw punches. The Cook government budgeted AUD 11.5 million for beefed up security in response. WA Police Minister Whitby said: “We will not tolerate what occurred in Melbourne.”

Government and activist positions clash

Minister Whitby rejected claims the legislation is anti-protest, saying: “If you’re a protester, and you want to voice your thoughts against this event, we will allow that.” WA Greens MLC Sophie McNeill countered that the laws are being used to crack down on peaceful protesters. Activists have slammed the Cook government for “draconian” police powers. Land Forces is Australia’s biggest defence expo, with major international weapons manufacturers attending.

Final Thoughts

WA police now have sweeping powers to exclude and search people around Perth’s Land Forces expo. The move reflects tension between security and protest rights, with activists calling it draconian while the government defends it as necessary after 2024 violence.

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