Special powers - Thursday 18 December 2025 to Sunday 21 December 2025

The Terrorism (Community Protection) Act 2003 (the Act)

Authorisation for the exercise of special powers is given under Part 3A of the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act 2003 (Vic) (authorisation).

The event to which this authorisation applies is the 'Pillars of Light - Chanukah 2025 celebrations'.

Special powers that may be exercised

The target area of the authorisation is the area within the boundary marked on the map below.

The following special powers under Division Part 3A of the Act may be exercised:

• the power to obtain disclosure of identity in accordance with the Act, under s 21O of the Act;
• the power to search persons in accordance with the Act, under s 21P of the Act;
• the power to search vehicles in accordance with the Act, under s 21Q of the Act;
• the power to move vehicles in accordance with the Act, under s 21R of the Act;
• the power to place a cordon around the target area in accordance with the Act, under 21T of the Act; and
• the power to seize and detain things in accordance with the Act, under s 21U of the Act.

The authorisation begins to have effect at 18:00 hours on 18 December 2025.

The authorisation shall cease to have effect at 22:00 hours on 21 December 2025.

Boundary areas of special powers

The boundary marked on the map shows Federation Square, covering:

• northern side of Flinders Street
• western side of Swanston Street
• northern side of the Yarra River
• eastern side of Russell Street Extension extending south to the Yarra River.

Victoria Police special powers at this event

Victoria Police has been granted special powers to ensure community safety at the Pillars of Light festival at Federation Square.

It's important to make clear these powers have been sought out of an abundance of caution and not because of any known threat.

They allow police to obtain someone's identity and conduct searches of people and vehicles if they think it's necessary to maintain the safety of people attending the event.

Police are also empowered to move vehicles, cordon off an area and seize and detain items if deemed necessary.

The powers were granted by the Supreme Court.