Lidia Thorpe joins critics of ‘outrageous’ expansion of police search powers in Melbourne as premier defends move

Jacinta Allan says warrantless pat-down powers that last until May 2026 are consistent with Victoria police plan to be more visibleFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe independent Victorian senator Lidia Thorpe has criticised a decision by police to expand search powers across inner Melbourne for six months, describing the move as “outrageous” and likely to lead to racial profiling.Victoria police on Tuesday declared the CBD – along with parts of Docklands, Southbank, the sporting and entertainment precinct, East Melbourne and South Melbourne – as a “designated area” from Sunday until 29 May 2026. Continue reading...