WA People Cannot Display Prohibited Organisation Symbols and Must Follow Safety Rules for Public Meeting Permits

Public Order Legislation Amendment Bill 2026

12 Mar 2026: The second house is finishing its own detailed examination of this bill, possibly in committee, before a final vote.

Legislative Assembly

Legislative Council

Assent

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Topics

crime prevention criminal justice criminal penalties law enforcement police powers prohibited organisations public order public safety

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

It is a crime to display a prohibited organisation symbol on private property without the owner's or occupier's consent.
It is a crime to apply a prohibited organisation symbol to property unless it is done in good faith for the public interest.
People who receive a removal notice must take down the prohibited organisation symbol within 14 days, unless the notice gives them more time.
Senior police officers must serve removal notices as soon as possible.
The Police Commissioner must notify parties as soon as possible if a removal notice is revoked.
Organisers of public meetings or processions commit an offence if they provide false or misleading information.
Permit decisions for street processions must now prioritise risks to public safety.
The Commissioner of Police must act quickly to process the cancellation of a removal notice after an application is made.
The Commissioner or an allowed officer can change permits for public meetings or processions.
It is now a crime to put a prohibited organisation symbol on any property.
People organising a public meeting or procession must include a signed declaration in their permit application.

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Dan Caddy ALP

“I move: That the bill be now read a second time. The December terrorist attack in Bondi and the attempted terrorist attack in Perth on 26 January have shocked and shaken the community, and reminded us all of the need to be ever vigilant against racism and discrimination in all its forms.”

Official source →

Dr Tony Buti ALP

“I move: That the bill be now read a second time. The December terror attack in Bondi and the attempted terrorist attack in Perth on 26 January have shocked and shaken the community, and reminded us of the need to be ever vigilant against racism and discrimination in all its forms.”

Official source →

News articles and press releases

WA government to introduce new laws on hate speech, face coverings and protests

Roger Cook, WA Premier — 2026-02-15

What is being targeted by these laws today is behaviour that crosses the line into violence, harassment or intimidation.