The signal
The Western Australian Parliament passed the Land Forces Event (Special Powers) Act 2026 on 16 September 2026, granting police extraordinary security powers for the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition in Perth. This Act establishes designated security areas around the event and authorises police officers to conduct stop and search operations, seize prohibited items, and manage road closures to maintain public safety during the expo.
Who should care
Security contractors bidding for event-related services, event organisers managing compliance, WA Police enforcing the law, legal advisors reviewing new powers, and businesses operating near the expo site must understand the new legal framework affecting security and public safety. Additionally, those involved in related state emergency management should note the concurrent Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Regulations Amendment (State of Emergency) Regulations 2026 and the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources (Declaration of State of Emergency) Order (No. 2) 2026, which reflect broader security and emergency preparedness contexts in Western Australia.
What changed
The Act specifically outlines the scope and limits of police powers during the 2026 expo, including the authority to conduct stop and search operations, seize prohibited items, and enforce road closures within designated security zones. These powers are designed to ensure public order and safety amid the heightened security environment of the international defence exhibition. The legislation complements existing emergency regulations such as the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Regulations Amendment (State of Emergency) Regulations 2026 and the related Declaration of State of Emergency Order, which address ongoing state-wide emergency conditions.
Want to follow this thread yourself? Search GovScanner's free dashboard, or connect GovScanner to your favourite AI so your model can explore WA government data for you.
Why it matters
This Act represents a rare legislative expansion of police authority tied to a single event, signalling heightened security priorities amid a major international defence exhibition. Contractors and event managers should prepare for increased policing and compliance demands, including potential disruptions from road closures and security checks. Businesses near the venue must also anticipate operational impacts. Legal advisors need to advise clients on the scope and limits of police powers and potential civil liberties questions, especially given the interplay with state emergency regulations.
Source trail
The source trail starts with Land Forces Event (Special Powers) Act 2026, the record that anchors the story.
The Land Forces Event (Special Powers) Act 2026 was assented on 16 September 2026 by the 42nd Parliament of Western Australia under the Cook Labor Government. The Act’s full text and details are available via the Land Forces Event (Special Powers) Act 2026. Related emergency management instruments include the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Regulations Amendment (State of Emergency) Regulations 2026 and the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources (Declaration of State of Emergency) Order (No. 2) 2026, which provide context on the broader security environment in the state.
Watch next
Stakeholders should monitor implementation details from WA Police and the Department of Justice in the lead-up to the Land Forces expo, including any security tender releases or operational guidelines. For example, tenders related to security services and infrastructure upgrades may be issued, reflecting preparations for the event. Further parliamentary oversight or amendments could occur if public or industry concerns arise.
The source trail starts with Land Forces Event (Special Powers) Act 2026, Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Regulations Amendment (State of Emergency) Regulations 2026, Fuel, Energy and Power Resources (Declaration of State of Emergency) Order (No. 2) 2026, the linked procurement item, the linked procurement item, and the linked procurement item.
Find your own data
Want to explore this thread yourself? Search the free GovScanner dashboard, or connect GovScanner directly to your favourite AI so your model can investigate WA government data for you. It is quick to connect, and it gives your AI raw access to structured WA government records instead of making it hunt through PDFs and webpages from scratch.