Police in WA want metal detectors to line the streets of Perth. They also want the power to stop, scan and body search at will, without reasonable suspicion of an offence. Will it be a case of Perth WA this year, then Adelaide SA, Sydney NSW, etc next year? It’s time to tell police and politicians throughout Australia that we don’t want to live in police States – write, email, phone and text to demonstrate citizens value our freedom. Here Brian Tennant explains his objections.
Northbridge search powers excessive
Editor, West Australian: I am concerned that the Commissioner of Police Karl O’Callaghan is seeking more powers for police to interfere with citizens going about their lawful duty – so that the police don’t need any justification to stop and compel a citizen to subject him- or herself to a metal detector device, and also to a touch search of that person’s body.
This is going too far. The excuse that Commissioner O’Callaghan uses is, since 10 June, 85 weapons were seized in Northbridge.
What I’m mostly concerned about is that in a democracy we have a parliament which consists of the Government Members of Parliament and the Opposition Members of Parliament, the latter is supposed to scrutinize such proposals, but unfortunately often get into bed with the Government. In this case, are agreeing with the Government subject to a few amendments which are supposed to help safeguard against the abuse of such legislation.
I agree with the CLA spokesman Tim Vines (TWA, Nov 12) who said the proposal went too far, “everyone will be considered guilty until proven innocent”. These proposed laws subvert the rule of law by forcing everyone to prove their innocence (or at least be considered guilty by default).
Commissioner O’Callaghan doesn’t define what the 85 weapons seized were. I suggest most were probably knives, and myself, I’m a senior citizen, I often carry a pocket knife to help me to consume fruit such as apples. Would I be in breach of some law carrying a “concealed weapon”?
The bottom line is that the State Opposition is failing in its duty to prevent these unnecessary laws which would interfere with the vast majority of citizens.
I call on the Opposition, and people with a conscience in the Government who are concerned about human rights being unnecessarily abused by way of legislation, to oppose this legislation as responsible Members of Parliament. Brian G. Tennant, Civil Liberties Australia, Subiaco