Victoria Premier Ben Carroll proposes laws allowing random public searches by police and PSOs

The state premier announced a proposal to amend existing legislation so that police officers and police‑security officers (PSOs) would be authorised to conduct random searches of individuals in public places. The plan is intended to expand the powers of law‑enforcement agencies to intervene in situations where a person may pose a risk to public safety or be carrying prohibited items.

Under the proposed changes, officers would be permitted to stop and search anyone in any public location without needing to demonstrate reasonable suspicion of an offence. The draft legislation outlines that the searches could be conducted at streets, parks, transport hubs and other open areas, and would apply to both police and designated PSOs.

The premier indicated that the measure is aimed at enhancing community security and deterring criminal activity. Officials involved in drafting the bill said that safeguards would be incorporated to ensure that the powers are exercised responsibly, though specific procedural details have not yet been released.

Opposition parties and civil‑rights groups have raised concerns about the potential impact on personal freedoms and the risk of abuse. They have called for clear limits on the scope of the powers, independent oversight mechanisms, and transparent reporting on how often the searches are carried out.

The proposal is expected to be presented to parliament for debate in the coming weeks, after which it will undergo the standard legislative process, including committee review and possible amendment, before any changes can be enacted.