Activists plan legal action against police ban on entering security zone near Perth weapons expo
Summary
Western Australia police used new special powers to ban at least 12 activists from entering a security zone near the Perth weapons expo starting October 6. The activists and a Greens MP plan to take legal action, saying the bans target peaceful protesters rather than violent threats.Key Facts
- Police banned 12 people from entering a security zone around the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre for the Land Forces weapons expo.
- The security zone includes the area from Elizabeth Quay bus port to the convention center and lasts for 10 days.
- The Land Forces (Special Powers) Bill 2026 was passed last month, allowing police to expand stop-and-search powers and issue exclusion orders.
- Anyone who enters the zone despite a ban faces fines up to $36,000 and up to three years in prison.
- Activists denied plans to attend the protest but were still put on the exclusion list.
- The expo features companies like Australian subsidiaries of Israel’s Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, which have faced criticism over alleged war crimes.
- Activists argue the law targets peaceful protests and claim the government is using it to suppress dissent.
- The last Land Forces expo in Melbourne in 2024 saw large protests and allegations of police using excessive force.
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