Police information collection rules change
Police information collection rules change, with different parts starting on different dates.
Policing Amendment Act 2026 · Starts 26 Mar 2027
What's changing
- Police may record images and sounds in public places for lawful policing purposes, including intelligence.
- Police may record what they can see or hear on private property where they are lawfully present.
- Police may temporarily close public-access areas to all or some traffic for safety, disorder, serious offending, or certain antisocial vehicle use.
- Ignoring a direction to leave or avoid a closed area can lead to a $1,000 infringement fee or a court fine up to $3,000.
Who's affected
Police employees, people in places where Police collect information, and anyone using an area that Police temporarily close are affected.
When
The Act was passed on 25 September 2026; information-collection changes start on 25 March 2027, some closure changes start on 10 January 2027, some other changes start on a date the government will set after 10 January 2027 or on 25 September 2028 at the latest, and one provision started on 26 September 2026.
What you might need to do
- Follow a constable’s direction to leave, or not to enter, a temporarily closed accessible area.
- If required for an infringement notice, provide your name, address, date of birth, and electronic address if you have one.
- Be aware that Police may record images or sounds in public places for lawful policing purposes.
Background
The government says recent court findings and an independent inquiry created uncertainty about when Police could record images and sounds and collect information for intelligence. It says the Act clarifies those powers and expands temporary closure powers to help Police respond to public safety risks and antisocial road use.