Police can issue move-on orders
Police can issue move-on orders for certain disorderly, disruptive, obstructive, or peace-breaking behaviour in public places.
Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Act 2026 · Starts 25 Oct 2026
What's changing
- Police may issue written move-on orders to people aged 18 or older for specified conduct in public places.
- Orders may require someone to leave and stay away from a public place for up to 24 hours.
- Orders can cover disorderly or disruptive behaviour, obstruction, some begging, rough sleeping, and setting up to inhabit a public place.
- Police may briefly detain someone to issue or serve an order and collect their basic details.
- Knowingly or recklessly breaching an order without a reasonable excuse can lead to up to three months’ imprisonment or a $1,000 fine.
Who's affected
People aged 18 or older in public places, Police, and people using or running businesses in those places may be affected.
When
The changes take effect on 25 October 2026, one month after the Act was passed on 25 September 2026.
What you might need to do
- If you receive a move-on order, leave the specified place or move the required distance away without undue delay.
- Stay away for the period stated in the order, which cannot be longer than 24 hours.
- If Police detain you for this process, remain there and provide your required basic details unless you have a reasonable excuse.
Background
The government said the changes were needed to help Police manage low-level public disorder, improve people’s sense of safety, and support urban centres and local economies. The government was concerned about disorderly behaviour around city-centre retail and hospitality areas.