Police to get special powers for Chogm in perth

MELBOURNE, Feb 23 (Bernama) -– The Government of West Australia (WA) has introduced legislation into parliament, giving police officers special powers to crack down on protesters during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

WA Police Minister Rob Johnson said CHOGM, to be held in Perth from Oct 28-30, would be the biggest international event for the city in decades.

"It is, therefore, vital that police and other security personnel have the necessary powers during this event to ensure the smooth running of the meeting and the safety and security of the delegates and the community in general," he was quoted by the Australian Associated Press as telling the WA parliament Wednesday.

The CHOGM Special Powers Bill will give police and authorised people security powers such as the ability to stop and search people in designated security areas and to close roads.

Johnson said that given the possibility of protests and disruptive
behaviour, the police needed extra powers during the course of the event.

"CHOGM provides opportunity for persons aggrieved by actions of one or more participating states to publicise their particular cause," he said.