Public notice: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and surrounds - 11 to 13 September 2024

Declaration of Designated Area Under Section 10D(1) Control of Weapons Act

The Assistant Commissioner, North West Metro Region, acting as a delegate of the Chief Commissioner of Police, under section 10D(1) of the Control of Weapons Act 1990, declares a designated area at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and South Wharf.

The designated area is bounded by all public places within the area bounded by (including the streets, roads, intersections and footpaths defining the boundary):

• the intersection of King Street and Flinders Street
• west to the intersection of Flinders Street and Montague Street
• south to the intersection of Montague Street and Normanby Road
• east to the intersection of Normanby Road and King Street, and
• north to the intersection of King Street and Flinders Street.

This includes public places within the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Victoria Police powers in designated areas

Police officers and protective service officers (PSOs) are empowered to search a person and anything in the possession or control of the person, or a vehicle, for weapons under the Act. You, your vehicle or things in your possession are in a public place within a designated area.

A police officer or PSO intends to conduct a limited search of you or your vehicle/things:

• You are requested to co-operate with that search.
• You may be requested to remove items of outer clothing such as headwear, scarves, jackets, etc.
• You may be searched using an electronic wand.
• You may be requested to remove items from any bags or pockets.
• You may be given a “pat down” search.

A police officer may also exercise their power under the Act to direct you to leave the designated area if you refuse to remove a face covering.

A police officer may direct you to leave the designated area if they reasonably believe that you intend to engage in conduct that would constitute an affray or violent disorder under s.195H and s.195I of the Crimes Act 1958 respectively.

It is an offence under the Act to obstruct or hinder a police officer or PSO in the exercise of a power to stop and search a person or vehicle or to fail to comply with a direction to leave the designated area.