People who cross police roadblocks or barriers without permission could face fines of up to $1,000 or a year in prison under the proposed Police Bill 2026.
The legislation gives police officers the authority to erect barriers across roads, streets and other public places when necessary to maintain law and order, preserve the peace, prevent or detect crime, or apprehend offenders.
Under Clause 120, officers may also take reasonable steps to stop people or vehicles from passing through a police barrier.
The Bill creates a specific offence for anyone who ignores police instructions at these locations.
“A person who crosses the barrier without authorisation from a Police officer” or fails to comply with a police direction not to cross commits an offence, the Bill states.
Those found guilty could be fined up to $1,000, jailed for up to 12 months, or both.
Police are also encouraged to inform local community policing committees before erecting barriers where reasonably practicable.
The proposed powers form part of broader reforms contained in the Police Bill 2026, which was tabled in Parliament this week.
Public consultations on the Bill will be held soon.
The legislation aims to provide police with clearer authority to establish roadblocks and restricted zones during law enforcement operations while imposing penalties on those who fail to comply with lawful directions.
