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 or frisk children under 14; they must consider the child's best interests when deciding.
Police generally cannot stop, search or detain children under 14.
Police can stop or search a child under 14 if they believe the child is at least 14; they can also do so to prevent serious harm or ensure safety.
Police can stop or search a child under 14 if they believe the child has evidence regarding an offence committed by someone else.
Police may keep a child under 14 in detention only as long as needed to get them to a parent or a responsible adult.
Warrants and emergency entries can now be triggered by physical injury to a person; previously they required an offence.
Spent convictions still count when someone applies for registration under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011.