Protest and Police Powers in Western Australia
This factsheet explains the right to protest in WA, and the process for gaining a permit to hold a protest. The factsheet also lists your rights when interacting with police, and details common protest offences.
Summary
Key takeaways
– The right to protest comes from the implied freedom of political communication in the Australian Constitution.
– There is no offence of holding a public meeting without a permit, however a permit provides protesters with protection from certain criminal charges.
Key actions
Visit: The Public Meetings and Processions Regulation 1984 (WA) sets out a pro-forma or an example of a form that can be used to provide to the police as an application for a permit.
