Media statement on random weapons' searches

4 March 2025

Statement from ACT Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Pene Mathew, responding to recent debate about giving police powers to conduct random weapons' searches

“Enhancing community safety is an important and legitimate aim for government," Dr Mathew said.

"However, allowing police to search without a reasonable suspicion carries an unacceptably high risk of arbitrary and unlawful interference with people’s privacy, equality and other human rights.

“International and Australian legal authority and guidance, as well as factual and practical considerations back this up. The available evidence from Queensland demonstrates that the detection rate is low and suggests the new search powers do not work as a deterrent either. Meanwhile, there is a risk of unintended consequences, such as minorities and marginalised groups being searched more frequently than other groups in the community. I am also concerned by the possibility of diverting scarce policing resources away from other urgent needs in the community, including domestic violence.”­­­

Media inquiries: Christine Kearney M: 0466861451 humanrightsmedia@act.gov.au

Response to the Board of Inquiry’s final report into the ACT Criminal Justice System

We acknowledge the Board of Inquiry’s important work in facilitating public discourse about the criminal justice system.
Translating rights into child and youth-friendly language

Jodie and her team are currently visiting schools across the ACT to talk to students about human rights.
Commission welcomes pathway for human rights complaints

The Commission welcomes the introduction of legislation that provides for a new accessible complaints pathway about alleged breaches of human rights by public authorities in the ACT.
Specialised legal support for sexual assault victim-survivors welcomed

Victim Support Act and Women’s Legal Centre ACT have been selected to jointly run one of  three pilots across Australia, to provide a specialised and trauma-informed legal service for sexual assault victim-survivors.
View all news & events