Activists and a Greens MP have threatened legal action following a decision by Western Australia police to ban at least 12 individuals from a designated security area. This zone surrounds the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the Land Forces weapons expo is scheduled to take place from 6 October.
The police utilised special powers, granted by the WA government last month, to issue these exclusion orders. The legislation, known as the Land Forces (Special Powers) Bill 2026, also provides police with expanded stop-and-search powers and the ability to ban people from the security zone for 10 days.
Greens MP Sophie McNeill, alongside activists Will Shanahan and Matilda Lane-Rose, stated on Friday that they would pursue legal action if the ban is not revised by police and Police Minister Reece Whitby. Lane-Rose indicated that legal advice has been sought regarding a potential judicial review of the decision.
Police Minister Reece Whitby previously stated that the legislation was intended to ensure WA Police have the necessary powers to maintain public safety and manage the Land Forces event, while also respecting the right to peaceful protest. However, McNeill has accused the government of using the legislation to target peaceful activists, some of whom reportedly had no plans to attend the protest.
Anyone who defies an exclusion order under the new laws could face a maximum fine of $36,000 and three years in prison.