Consolidating Peace: Victoria Police Ends Warrantless Searches

Published: 09 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Victoria police has officially revoked warrantless search powers in Melbourne CBD, consolidating peace and reducing tensions across the city. The early termination ends a six-month declaration that allowed officers to conduct pat-downs and searches without a warrant, initially set to expire on 29 May 2026. By consolidating peace through this revocation, authorities aim to reassure the public while balancing security and civil liberties. The decision comes ahead of a federal court challenge lodged by protest organiser Tarneen Onus Browne and activist Benny Zable, drawing attention to concerns over privacy and disproportionate policing.

The designated area included Melbourne’s CBD, Docklands, Southbank, sporting precincts, and parts of East and South Melbourne. Police and protective services officers previously had powers to search individuals, vehicles, and belongings without reasonable suspicion. These searches often involved electronic wands, pat-downs, and requests for removal of outer clothing or face coverings. Legal experts and civil rights advocates criticised the powers for disproportionately affecting First Nations people and people of colour, while producing minimal results. By revoking these powers early, authorities are consolidating peace and addressing public concerns about fairness.

Gemma Cafarella, president of Liberty Victoria, welcomed the revocation, highlighting privacy violations and the ineffectiveness of the extraordinary powers. “The data shows these powers were not achieving their intended purpose and unfairly impacted vulnerable communities,” she said. By consolidating peace, the early revocation helps restore confidence in law enforcement while legal and community organisations continue to push for reform. Previous reports revealed instances of non-compliant searches by police, further strengthening arguments for accountability and legislative review.

Victoria police defended the past use of designated area declarations as necessary for public safety and crowd management during protests. All searches conducted between 30 November 2025 and 9 January 2026 remain legally valid. While the revocation ends this specific declaration, authorities noted future measures could include new declarations with revised scope and duration. By consolidating peace, police signal a willingness to adjust policies in response to public and legal pressures, balancing security needs with civil liberties.

Legal centres, including Inner Melbourne Community Legal, described the six-month designation as an unprecedented overreach. The declaration sparked widespread concern that civil liberties were being compromised under the guise of security. Cafarella emphasised the need for ongoing vigilance to prevent overextension of police powers, reinforcing that consolidating peace requires transparent and accountable enforcement practices.

Victoria police reiterated its “zero tolerance for racial profiling,” stating officers respond to behaviour, not background. Critics argue structural biases persist, and discretionary powers continue to affect marginalised communities. By consolidating peace through this revocation, authorities aim to reduce public unease while maintaining safety measures in the CBD.

The federal court hearing scheduled for Monday is expected to examine the legality of such declarations and their impact on individual freedoms. Analysts suggest the outcome could influence reforms limiting warrantless powers in Victoria and other jurisdictions. The revocation of these powers demonstrates a practical step in consolidating peace, easing tensions, and addressing public demands for proportional policing.

Civil rights advocates remain focused on reforming the underlying legislative framework that allows such broad powers. Liberty Victoria and other organisations argue for accountability, fairness, and proportionality in enforcement, emphasising that consolidating peace requires systemic changes to prevent disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities.

As Melbourne navigates tensions between public safety and individual freedoms, this revocation marks a significant precedent. Authorities have acted to consolidate peace while allowing time for judicial review, ensuring democratic principles are respected and fairness maintained. For citizens and international observers, the decision offers cautious optimism that civil liberties can coexist with security measures in urban environments.

The early end to warrantless search powers in Melbourne CBD represents a vital step in consolidating peace, strengthening trust between the public and law enforcement, and reaffirming democratic accountability in Australia’s largest city.

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