Ban on Face Coverings for People Participating in Public Assemblies
Summary Offences Amendment (Public Assemblies) Bill 2025
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
People at public assemblies cannot hide their identity or wear disguises; this does not apply to religious clothing
Police can order people to remove masks or face paint; they can also order people to leave the area or detain them
It is a criminal offence to ignore a police order to remove a disguise or leave a public assembly
The Police Commissioner and courts must consider public safety and economic impacts before deciding whether to allow a public assembly
The Police Commissioner or courts can charge organisers for policing costs if the assembly is a repeat event
The state can refuse to authorise a repeat public assembly until the organiser pays the policing costs