When Special Powers Become Routine Our Liberties Are Under Threat
Dr Brian Walker examines the implications of the Land Forces Event Special Powers Bill 2026, questioning the need for extraordinary measures and their long term impact on individual rights and parliamentary oversight.
The creep of extraordinary measures
In my years as a medical practitioner, I have learned that the most effective treatments are those grounded in precise diagnosis and necessary intervention. We do not prescribe powerful medication for minor ailments because we understand the risk of unintended consequences. Yet, within the halls of Parliament, I often see the government reaching for heavy handed legislative tools when a lighter touch would suffice.
Today, we find ourselves debating the Land Forces Event Special Powers Bill. It is a piece of legislation that seeks to carve out extraordinary exemptions under the guise of security and logistics. When we grant special powers, we are not merely passing a law. We are granting a blank cheque to bypass the normal checks and balances that protect our community from overreach.
This is not just bureaucracy. It is a fundamental shift in how we relate to the state. The risk here is that these temporary measures become the new standard. When we erode rights, even for a limited time, we create a precedent that future governments will inevitably cite. The safety of our civil liberties is at stake when we normalise the suspension of normal processes.
The necessity test
As someone who values evidence above all else, I must ask: where is the justification for this level of intrusion? We are told these measures are required, yet the evidence presented often lacks the substance to warrant such a departure from our established legal norms. I am constantly looking for the data that proves these powers are essential, rather than simply convenient for the departments involved.
If you enjoy keeping up with these debates and want to see how we hold the government to account in the House, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel for regular updates from the front lines of reform.
A future built on accountability
We need a state that functions with transparency and respect for the individual. Every time we empower a department to act without proper oversight, we sow the seeds of future frustration and potential injustice. The people of Western Australia deserve a government that trusts them, rather than one that feels it must constantly operate in the shadows of special legal status.
You can read the full record of my comments during this debate to understand the nuances of my position. I remain committed to fighting for a fairer, more sensible approach to lawmaking. If you share this vision for a government that values your rights, please consider how you can help us continue this work by joining Legalise Cannabis WA today.
