Search and Detention Powers for Children Under 14

Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Assembly

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Issuing officers can now grant warrants to search children under 14; this applies if the child is suspected of possessing evidence.
Police officers are banned from stopping, searching or detaining children under 14; they must use a warrant, a court order or specific safety exceptions.
Police can stop or detain a child under 14 without a warrant to prevent harm; this includes protecting the child or others from serious damage or cruelty.
Police can stop or detain a child under 14 if they believe the child has evidence regarding a crime committed by someone else.
Police must not detain a child under 14 longer than necessary to check their age or ensure safety.
Police can keep a child under 14 in detention until they can be handed over to a parent or a responsible caregiver.
Warrants and emergency entry powers now apply if there is a risk of physical injury to a person.
Spent convictions no longer stay hidden when someone applies for Working with Vulnerable People registration.

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