Search and Detention Powers for Children Under 14
Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Assembly
Links to official parliament websites
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.
Topics
background checks child safety criminal records police powers search and seizure vulnerable people youth justice