The Supreme Court of Victoria has authorised the use of special police powers (special powers) under section 21B of the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act 2003 (the Act) to protect persons attending the 2024 Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition from a terrorist act.
This includes exhibitors and attendees to the Exposition and also includes protestors, counter protestors and the public.
The special powers authorised may only be exercised in the target area between 12pm Friday 6 September 2024 and 11.59pm Sunday 15 September 2024.
Map of designated area
The target area, around the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is contained within the following boundaries:
- Northern Borders: Northern side of Flinders Street and Wurundjeri Way
- Western Borders: Western side of Wurundjeri Way and Montague Street
- Southern borders: Southern side of Normanby Road
- Eastern Borders: Eastern side of Kings Way.
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.
Public notices
News of past and upcoming Victoria Police operations, and the dates and times of the operations.
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