Melbourne Police Granted Six-Month Warrantless Search Powers Amidst Human Rights Concerns

Expanded Police Powers Take Effect in Melbourne

Victoria Police and Protective Service Officers (PSOs) have been granted significant new powers to conduct warrantless searches and issue move-on directions across a broad area of inner Melbourne for a period of six months. The declaration, which came into effect on Sunday, November 24, 2025, designates Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD), Docklands, Southbank, the sporting and entertainment precinct, and parts of East Melbourne and South Melbourne as an area where these enhanced powers apply until May 29, 2026.

Under these new provisions, officers can randomly stop and search individuals without a warrant or reasonable grounds. The searches, permitted under the Control of Weapons Act, include pat-downs, the use of electronic wands, and the inspection of vehicles. Police may also direct individuals to remove outer clothing, such as headwear, scarves, or jackets, and to empty pockets or bags. Furthermore, officers can require the removal of face coverings that might conceal identity or protect against 'crowd-control substances,' with refusal potentially leading to a move-on direction.

Justification and Support for the Measures

Victoria Police assert that these expanded powers are an 'invaluable tool' in their efforts to remove weapons from the streets, citing a rise in knife crime across the state. A police spokesperson stated that the CBD is the first area to receive such a long-term declaration under recent changes to the act. The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, defended the directive, linking it to a new strategy by the Chief Police Commissioner to increase police visibility and achieve a 5% annual reduction in serious and violent crime.

The move has also received support from Melbourne's Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece, who welcomed the decision. Reece highlighted a 20% increase in crime in the central city over the past 12 months, describing the new powers as a necessary 'circuit-breaker' to address the issue.

Widespread Criticism from Human Rights and Legal Groups

Despite official justifications, the implementation of these warrantless search powers has been met with significant backlash from human rights and legal advocacy groups. Organizations such as Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL) and Liberty Victoria have described the measure as a 'vast overreach' and 'complete overkill.'

Nadia Morales, IMCL's chief executive, stated that the declaration is unprecedented in both its geographic scope and duration, expressing concerns that it infringes upon civil liberties and the freedom of movement for all Victorians. Gemma Cafarella, President of Liberty Victoria, warned that searches without reasonable suspicion could lead to 'stigmatic shaming' and disproportionately affect First Nations people and other minority groups. Research from the Centre Against Racial Profiling, published recently, indicated that Aboriginal Victorians are significantly more likely to be searched than white individuals.

Independent Victorian Senator Lidia Thorpe also voiced strong opposition, calling the expansion 'outrageous' and predicting it would lead to racial profiling. Critics also questioned the efficacy of such searches, with a Liberty Victoria report finding that illicit items were seized in only 1% of warrantless searches conducted in designated areas over a two-year period previously.

In response to racial profiling concerns, Victoria Police maintain a 'zero tolerance towards racial profiling,' stating that officers are 'well trained to police in response to a person's behaviour, not their background.'

Ongoing Debate Over Balancing Safety and Rights

The introduction of these extensive police powers has ignited a fierce debate in Australia regarding the balance between public safety and individual civil liberties. While authorities emphasize the necessity of these measures to combat rising crime rates, human rights advocates continue to raise alarms about the potential for abuse, discrimination, and the erosion of fundamental freedoms. The six-month period will likely see continued scrutiny and discussion over the impact and effectiveness of these new police capabilities in Melbourne.