[no bill text published] Ban on Face Coverings for People Participating in Public Assemblies
Summary Offences and Other Legislation 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 face coverings; this does not apply to religious clothing.
Police can order people to surrender disguises or leave the area; they can also detain the person.
It is a criminal offence to refuse a police order to remove a disguise or leave a public assembly.
Police get extra powers to act when people block or harass others at a place of worship.
The Police Commissioner and courts must consider economic impacts and policing costs before deciding if a public assembly can go ahead.
Organisers of repeat public assemblies may have to pay the State for policing costs before the assembly is authorised.