Major Events Act 2014 (ACT)

Major Events Act 2014

A2014-42

Republication No 6

Effective: 21 March 2025

Republication date: 21 March 2025

Last amendment made by A2025‑3

About this republication

The republished law

This is a republication of the Major Events Act 2014 (including any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 21 March 2025. It also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to 21 March 2025.

The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3 and 4.

Kinds of republications

The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT legislation register at type="disc">

authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies

unauthorised republications.

The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.

Editorial changes

The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication. Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.

This republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).

Uncommenced provisions and amendments

If a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately before the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law are accessible on the ACT legislation register ( For more information, see the home page for this law on the register.

Modifications

If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the symbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying provision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation Act 2001, section 95.

Penalties

At the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an individual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).

Major Events Act 2014

Contents

Page

Part 1      Preliminary
1            Name of Act  2
3            Dictionary  2
4            Notes  2
5Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc 3
Part 2      Major events and important sporting events
Division 2.1              Major event declaration
6            Major event—declaration  4
7           Major event—declaration requirements  5
8            Major event declaration—variation  6
Division 2.2              Important sporting event notice
9            Important sporting event—notice  7
10          Important sporting event notice—requirements  8
Part 3      Crowd management
Division 3.1              Application—pt 3
11          Application—pt 3  9
Division 3.2              Crowd management
12          Meaning of prohibited item  9
13          Offences—unauthorised entry to event venue  12
14          Offence—interference with event  13
15          Offence—possessing prohibited item  14
Division 3.3              Crowd management powers
16          Offence—authorised person may search personal property                15
17          Offence—authorised person may do scanning search  16
18          Offence—police officer may do other searches  17
19          Scanning, ordinary and frisk searches—requirements  18
20          Offence—police officer may ask for person’s name and address           19
21          Authorised person may refuse entry  19
22          Authorised person may give direction  20
23          Offences—failure to comply with direction  21
24          Offence—ban orders  22
Part 4      Protection of commercial arrangements
Division 4.1              Protected symbols
25          Application—div 4.1  26
26          Notice of protected symbol  27
27          Offences—unauthorised use of protected symbol  28
28          When protected symbol is used for a commercial purpose—pt 4           29
29          Presumption etc relating to advertising or promotion etc  30
Division 4.2              Clean zones
30          Application—div 4.2  31
31          Definitions—div 4.2  31
32          Notice of clean zone  32
33          Offences—unauthorised street trading in or adjacent to clean zone       32
34          Offence—unauthorised advertising in clean zone  33
35          Offence—unauthorised advertising that is clearly visible from clean zone 33
36          Exceptions—s 34 and s 35 offences  34
37          Defences—s 34 and s 35 offences  35
Part 5      Protection of ticketing arrangements
38          Definitions—pt 5  36
39          Notice of protection of ticketing arrangements  36
40          Offence—ticket-scalping  37
41          Offence—unauthorised use of ticket for financial benefit  37
Part 6      Authorised people
Division 6.1              Authorised people—appointment
42          Appointment of authorised people  39
43          Identity cards  40
44          Offences—authorised person must show identity card  41
Division 6.2              Powers of authorised people
45          Definition—div 6.2  42
46          Power to enter premises  43
47          Production of identity card  43
48          Consent to entry  44
49          General powers on entry to premises  45
50          Police officer may seize things  46
Division 6.3              Return and forfeiture of things seized
51          Application—div 6.3  47
52          Receipt for things seized  47
53          Access to things seized  48
54          Return of things seized  48
55          Forfeiture of things seized  49
56          Power to destroy unsafe thing  49
57          Application for order disallowing seizure  50
58          Order for return of seized thing  51
Division 6.4              Enforcement—miscellaneous
59          Damage etc to be minimised  52
Part 7      Miscellaneous
Division 7.1              Surrendered or confiscated prohibited items
60          Definitions—div 7.1  53
61          Retention and return of certain prohibited items  54
62          Storage and disposal of returnable items  55
Division 7.2              Other matters
63          Obligations of ticket sellers  55
64          Compensation for exercise of search and enforcement powers            56
65          Effect of disallowance of disallowable instrument  56
66          Approved forms  57
67          Regulation-making power  57
Dictionary58
Endnotes
1            About the endnotes  61
2            Abbreviation key  61
3            Legislation history  62
4            Amendment history  63
5            Earlier republications  64

Major Events Act 2014

An Act relating to the management of major events

Part 1Preliminary

Name of Act
This Act is the Major Events Act 2014.
Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined elsewhere in this Act.
For example, the signpost definition ‘advertise, for division 4.2 (Clean zones)—see section 31.’ means that the term ‘advertise’ is defined in that section for division 4.2.
Note 2A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to the entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
Notes
A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.
NoteSee the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.

Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.
Note 1Criminal Code
The Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to all offences against this Act (see Code, pt 2.1).
The chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility (including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used for offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention, recklessness and strict liability).
Note 2Penalty units
The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties that are expressed in penalty units.

Part 2Major events and important sporting events
Division 2.1 Major event declaration

Major event—declaration
(1)The Executive may, not later than 28 days before the proposed date of an event, declare the event to be a major event (a major event declaration).
(2)The Executive may only make a major event declaration in relation to an event if satisfied—
(a)that the event is a major event at an international, national, State or Territory level; and
(b)it is in the public interest to do so; and
(c)on reasonable grounds it is necessary and appropriate to do so.
(3)In deciding whether to make a major event declaration, the Executive must consider whether the event will do any of the following:
(a)generate significant tourism opportunities for the ACT by attracting a large number of international participants or spectators;
(b)significantly raise the ACT’s international profile;
(c)require a high level of professional management and coordination;
(d)attract significant sponsorship and media coverage;
(e)attract large numbers of people as participants or spectators;
(f)offer substantial cultural, economic, social, sporting or other benefits for the ACT and ACT residents.
(4)The Executive may not declare a public protest or demonstration to be a major event.
(5)A major event declaration is a disallowable instrument.
NoteA disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(6)The Executive must give additional public notice of the major event declaration.
NotePublic notice means notice on an ACT government website or in a daily newspaper circulating in the ACT (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1). The requirement in s (6) is in addition to the requirement for notification on the legislation register as a disallowable instrument.
(7)Failure to publish a declaration in accordance with subsection (6) does not affect the validity of the declaration.
Major event—declaration requirements
(1)A major event declaration for an event must—
(a)describe the event; and
(b)state the organiser of the event; and
(c)state the proposed time and date of the event; and
(d)state the location of the venue for the event; and
(e)state the period for which the declaration is in force; and
(f)state that a notice may be given under the following provisions for the event:
(i)section 26 (Notice of protected symbol);
(ii)section 32 (Notice of clean zone);
(iii)section 39 (Notice of protection of ticketing arrangements); and
(g)state anything else prescribed by regulation.
(2)A major event declaration for an event may state that a specified item is a prohibited item for section 12 (1), definition of prohibited item, paragraph (b) if the Executive considers—
(a)the item could be—
(i)used to interfere with the event; or
(ii)a risk to public safety; and
(b)it reasonable in the circumstances.
NoteA major event declaration for an event may also exclude an item mentioned in s 12 (1), def prohibited item, par (a).
Major event declaration—variation
(1)The Minister may, not later than 7 days before the proposed date of a major event, vary the major event declaration for the event in relation to any of the matters mentioned in section 7.
(2)The Minister may only vary a major event declaration for a major event if satisfied on reasonable grounds that the variation is necessary and appropriate for—
(a)the good management of the event; or
(b)the safety and enjoyment of people at the event.
Example
The ACT is hosting a conference that will be attended by a number of leaders from other countries. The major event venue, as described in the major event declaration for the event, includes the route from Canberra airport to the conference venue. After an updated security assessment, the route needs to be changed to ensure the safety of the conference participants.
(3)A variation is a disallowable instrument.
NoteA disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(4)The Minister must give additional public notice of the major event declaration variation.
NotePublic notice means notice on an ACT government website or in a daily newspaper circulating in the ACT (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1). The requirement in s (4) is in addition to the requirement for notification on the legislation register as a disallowable instrument.
(5)Failure to publish a variation in accordance with subsection (4) does not affect the validity of the variation.

Division 2.2 Important sporting event notice

Important sporting event—notice
(1)For part 3 (Crowd management), the Minister may, not later than 7 days before the proposed date of a sporting event, give notice that the event is an important sporting event (an important sporting event notice).
NotePt 4 (Protection of commercial arrangements) and pt 5 (Protection of ticketing arrangements) do not apply to an important sporting event.
(2)The Minister may only give an important sporting event notice in relation to an event if satisfied on reasonable grounds that its making is necessary and appropriate for—
(a)the safety of people attending the event; and
(b)the avoidance of disruptions to the event.
(3)In deciding whether to make an important sporting event notice, the Minister must consider—
(a)the nature of the event; and
(b)the number of people expected to attend the event; and
(c)any other relevant matter.
(4)A notice is a disallowable instrument.
NoteA disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(5)The Minister must give additional public notice of the important sporting event notice.
NotePublic notice means notice on an ACT government website or in a daily newspaper circulating in the ACT (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1). The requirement in s (5) is in addition to the requirement for notification on the legislation register as a disallowable instrument.
(6)Failure to publish a notice in accordance with subsection (5) does not affect the validity of the notice.
Important sporting event notice—requirements
(1)An important sporting event notice for a sporting event must—
(a)describe the event; and
(b)state the organiser of the event; and
(c)state the proposed time and date of the event; and
(d)state the location of the venue for the event; and
(e)state the period for which the notice is in force.
(2)An important sporting event notice for a sporting event may state that a specified item is a prohibited item for section 12 (1), definition of prohibited item, paragraph (b) if the Minister considers—
(a)the item could be—
(i)used to interfere with the event; or
(ii)a risk to public safety; and
(b)it reasonable in the circumstances.
NoteAn important sporting event notice for an event may also exclude an item mentioned in s 12 (1), def prohibited item, par (a).

Part 3Crowd management
Division 3.1 Application—pt 3

Application—pt 3
This part (other than section 24 (Offence—ban orders)) applies to—
(a)a major event—for the major event declaration period; and
(b)an important sporting event—for the important sporting event notice period.

Division 3.2 Crowd management

Meaning of prohibited item
(1)In this Act:
prohibited item, for a major event or important sporting event, means—
(a)unless excluded by the major event declaration for the major event or the important sporting event notice for the important sporting event, the following:
(i)a prohibited weapon or prohibited article;
(ii)a knife;
(iii)a dangerous good;
(iv)a hazardous chemical or explosive;
(v)a flare, firework, smoke bomb or petrol;
(vi)a drug of dependence or prohibited substance;
(vii)a fire extinguisher;
(viii)alcohol;
(ix)paint stored in a container of any kind;
(x)a loud hailer, megaphone or any other device that can amplify the human voice;
(xi)broadcast equipment or any device that may interfere with broadcast equipment authorised by the event organiser to be used in the event venue;
(xii)a whistle, horn or bugle or a similar thing likely to be used to interfere with the event;
(xiii)a flag that is longer or wider than 900mm;
(xiv)a flagpole that is longer than 1m;
(xv)an egg, ball, paint bomb or a thing likely to be intended for use as a projectile;
(xvi)a glass item (other than optical lenses, or an infant’s food or drink container) that could be—
(A)used to interfere with the event; or
(B)a risk to public safety;
(xvii)a metal can (other than an infant’s food or drink container) that could be—
(A)used to interfere with the event; or
(B)a risk to public safety;
(xviii)an animal, other than—
(A)if a person is accompanied by an assistance animal—the animal; or
(B)a police dog, police horse or other animal used for the management of the event; or
(C)an animal competing or participating in the event;
(xix)a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, roller skates, roller blades or similar wheeled device, other than a wheeled device used by—
(A)a person with disability for mobility; or
(B)a police officer or another person for the management of the event; or
(C)a person competing or participating in the event; and
(b)anything else stated in the major event declaration for the major event or the important sporting event notice for the important sporting event.
NoteA major event declaration or important sporting event notice may state that an item is a prohibited item if it is considered it could be used to interfere with a major event or important sporting event or be a risk to public safety, and it is reasonable in the circumstances.
(2)In this section:
accompanied by an assistance animal—a person is accompanied by an assistance animal if the person—
(a)is a person with disability and is accompanied by an assistance animal that is assisting the person to alleviate the effect of the disability; or
(b)is an assistance animal trainer and is accompanied by an animal that is being trained as an assistance animal; or
(c)is an assistance animal assessor and is accompanied by an animal that is being assessed as an assistance animal.
assistance animal—see the Discrimination Act 1991, section 5AA (3).
assistance animal assessor—see the Domestic Animals Act 2000, section 94.
assistance animal trainer—see the Domestic Animals Act 2000, section 94.
drug of dependence—see the Drugs of Dependence Act 1989, dictionary.
explosive—see the Dangerous Substances Act 2004, section 73.
firearm—see the Firearms Act 1996, section 6.
hazardous chemical—see the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, dictionary.
knife—see the Crimes Act 1900, dictionary.
prohibited article—see the Prohibited Weapons Act 1996, section 4B.
prohibited substance—see the Drugs of Dependence Act 1989, dictionary.
prohibited weapon—see the Prohibited Weapons Act 1996, section 4A.

Offences—unauthorised entry to event venue
(1)A person commits an offence if—
(a)the person goes into, or stays in, a part of an event venue; and
(b)the person does not have the permission of the event organiser or venue manager to go into, or stay in, that part of the venue.
Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.
(2)A person commits an offence if—
(a)the person goes onto, or stays on, the playing surface at an event venue; and
(b)the person does not have the permission of the event organiser or venue manager to go onto, or stay on, the playing surface.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3)An offence against subsection (2) is a strict liability offence.
(4)For this section, a person is taken to have the permission of the event organiser or venue manager to go into, or stay in, a part of an event venue or go onto, or stay on, the playing surface of an event venue if the person is—
(a)an authorised person; or
(b)competing or participating in the major event or important sporting event in the event venue.
(5)In this section:
playing surface, at an event venue—
(a)means the area on which a sport is to be, or is being, played as part of the major event or important sporting event; and
(b)includes—
(i)any adjacent area required for the sport to be played; and
(ii)any area reasonably incidental to the sport being played.
Examples—par (b) (ii)
·players’ dressing room
·other field in the venue used by the players for warming up
Offence—interference with event
(1)A person commits an offence if, in an event venue, the person—
(a)engages in violent or disorderly behaviour; or
(b)disrupts, interferes with, delays or obstructs the conduct of the event, or an activity associated with the event; or
(c)causes unreasonable disruption or unreasonable interference to a spectator of the event or a person conducting or managing the event or event venue.
Maximum penalty: 15 penalty units.
Examples—par (b)
·     throwing flares, fireworks, balls, bottles or other objects
·     damaging the playing surface of a sporting field
Examples—par (c)
·     displaying a sign or gesturing in a way that is reasonably likely to agitate other people
·     intentionally blocking the view of someone else
(2)In this section:
event means—
(a)a major event; or
(b)an important sporting event.
Offence—possessing prohibited item
(1)A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)is in an event venue; and
(b)without the permission of the event organiser or venue manager—
(i)takes a prohibited item into the venue; or
(ii)has a prohibited item in the venue.
Maximum penalty: 25 penalty units.
(2)For subsection (1) (b), a person is taken to have the permission of the event organiser or venue manager if the person takes a prohibited item into a venue, or possesses a prohibited item in the venue, because the person is—
(a)exercising a function as an authorised person and the prohibited item is required for the exercise of the function; or
(b)competing or participating in a major event or important sporting event in the event venue and the prohibited item is required for the person to compete or participate in the event.
(3)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
(4)An authorised person may request the person to surrender the prohibited item.
(5)If the person refuses to comply with the request, a police officer may confiscate the prohibited item.
Note 1An authorised person may direct the person to leave the event venue for failing to comply with the request (see s 22).
Note 2Div 7.1 provides for the retention, return and disposal of prohibited items surrendered or confiscated under this section or seized under s 50 (Police officer may seize things).

Division 3.3 Crowd management powers

Offence—authorised person may search personal property
(1)An authorised person may ask a person to permit a search to be made of the person’s personal property if—
(a)the person is entering (or about to enter) an event venue; or
(b)the person is in an event venue.
Example—about to enter
standing in a queue to enter a major event that extends outside the security gate of the venue and onto the footpath
(2)The person must permit the authorised person to search the person’s personal property.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(3)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
(4)In this section:
personal property, of a person, means things carried by the person or things apparently in the immediate control of the person, but does not include clothing being worn by the person.
Offence—authorised person may do scanning search
(1)An authorised person may ask a person to permit a scanning search of the person if—
(a)the person is entering (or about to enter) an event venue; or
(b)the person is in an event venue.
Example—about to enter
standing in a queue to enter a major event that extends outside the security gate of the venue and onto the footpath
(2)The person must permit an authorised person to do a scanning search of the person.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(3)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
(4)In this section:
scanning search, of a person, means a search of the person by electronic or other means that does not require the person to remove the person’s clothing or to be touched by someone else.
Examples
1 passing a portable electronic or other device over a person
2 requiring a person to pass by or through an electronic or other device
Offence—police officer may do other searches
(1)A police officer may ask a person to permit an ordinary search or frisk search of the person if—
(a)the person is entering (or about to enter) an event venue; or
(b)the person is in an event venue.
Example—about to enter
standing in a queue to enter a major event that extends outside the security gate of the venue and onto the footpath
(2)The person must permit a police officer to do the search.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(3)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
(4)In this section:
frisk search, of a person, means—
(a)a search of the person conducted by quickly running the hands over the person’s outer garments; and
(b)an examination of anything worn or carried by the person that is conveniently and voluntarily removed by the person.
ordinary search, of a person, means a search of the person, or of the person’s personal property, that may include—
(a)requiring the person to remove the person’s overcoat, coat or jacket and any gloves, shoes or hat; and
(b)an examination of those items or personal property.
personal property, of a person—see section 16 (4).
Scanning, ordinary and frisk searches—requirements
(1)A police officer may conduct a scanning search, ordinary search or frisk search of a person under section 17 or section 18 only if—
(a)the officer is of the same sex as the person to be searched; or
(b)if that is not practicable—another person of the same sex as, or a sex nominated by, the person to be searched is present while the search is conducted.
(2)If asked by the person to be searched and it is practicable to do so, a police officer must take the person to a less public place in or near the major event venue so that the search can be conducted.
(3)As soon as possible after conducting a frisk search under section 18, the police officer must make a written record of—
(a)the date, time and place of the search; and
(b)details of the search; and
(c)any details of the person who was searched known to the police officer.
(4)In exercising a power under section 18 in relation to a person, a police officer must not detain the person for longer than is reasonably necessary to conduct a search of the person.
Offence—police officer may ask for person’s name and address
(1)A police officer may request a person entering (or about to enter) an event venue to state the person’s name and home address.
Examples—about to enter
1 standing in a queue to enter a major event that extends outside the security gate of the venue and onto the footpath
2 for a major event venue that includes a car park outside the event venue—sitting in a car that is in a queue of cars to enter the car park for the major event where the queue extends outside the major event venue
(2)The person must—
(a)comply with the request; or
(b)not enter, or attempt to enter, the event venue within 24 hours after the time the request is made.
Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.
(3)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
Authorised person may refuse entry
An authorised person may refuse a person entry to an event venue if the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that the person—
(a)has committed, or is likely to commit, an offence against—
(i)this Act; or
(ii)while seeking to enter into or while in the venue—another law applying in the ACT; or
(b)is likely to contravene a condition of entry to the event venue imposed by an event organiser or a venue manager for the event.
Authorised person may give direction
(1)An authorised person may—
(a)direct a person to leave an event venue and not re-enter the venue for a period of 24 hours if—
(i)the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that the person has committed, or is likely to commit, an offence against—
(A)this Act; or
(B)while attempting to enter into or while in the venue—another law applying in the ACT; and
(ii)the following happened:
(A)the authorised person has, before giving the direction, asked the person to leave the event venue and not re-enter the venue for a period of 24 hours;
(B)the person has refused to leave, has entered or attempted to enter the venue; or
(b)give a direction reasonably necessary for—
(i)the good management of an event; or
(ii)the safety and enjoyment of people at an event.
Examples—par (b)
a direction to a person to—
·      move from stairs, aisles, passageways or bridges
·      stop standing in a place that blocks the view of another person seated
·      stop climbing on a tree, roof, fence, barrier or barricade
(2)A direction under subsection (1) (a)—
(a)must state that the direction applies for 24 hours; and
(b)may be given orally or in writing.
(3)In this section:
event means—
(a)a major event; or
(b)an important sporting event.
Offences—failure to comply with direction
(1)A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)is given a direction under section 22; and
(b)fails to comply with the direction.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
NoteFail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(2)A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)is given a direction to leave an event venue under section 22 (1) (a); and
(b)enters, or attempts to enter, the venue within 24 hours after the time the direction is given.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(3)If a person commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2), a police officer may use such force as is reasonably necessary to—
(a)apprehend and detain the person; or
(b)remove the person from, or stop the person from re‑entering, the event venue.
(4)A police officer exercising powers under subsection (3) may act with such assistance as is reasonably necessary from an authorised person appointed under section 42.
(5)A person must not be detained under subsection (3) (a) for longer than is reasonably necessary to remove the person from the event venue.
Offence—ban orders
(1)This section applies if a person (an offender)—
(a)has been convicted or found guilty of a ban order offence; or
(b)is banned from a place under a corresponding law; or
(c)has been convicted or found guilty of a corresponding ban order offence.
(2)An interested person may apply to the Magistrates Court for 1 or more of the following orders:
(a)an order banning the offender from entering a stated event venue or future venue (or stated part of the venue) for the crowd management period for the relevant event;
(b)an order banning the offender from attending a stated part of a stated—
(i)major event; or
(ii)important sporting event; or
(iii)future event.
(3)The interested person must give notice of the application to the offender.
(4)The court may make the order if satisfied that—
(a)there is a significant risk that the offender may disrupt a major event, important sporting event or future event; and
(b)making the order is likely to reduce the risk.
(5)An order must be for a period not longer than 12 months.
(6)On application from the offender, the court must revoke an order under this section if after the order was made—
(a)if subsection (1) (a) applies to the offender—the offender successfully appealed against the conviction for, or finding of guilt of, the ban order offence; or
(b)if subsection (1) (b) applies to the offender—the order in the other jurisdiction is revoked.
(7)An offender commits an offence if—
(a)an order under this section applies to the offender; and
(b)the offender enters an event venue in contravention of the order.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(8)In this section:
ban order offence means an offence against—
(a)the following provisions of this Act:
(i)section 12 (Meaning of prohibited item);
(ii)section 14 (Offence—interference with event);
(iii)section 15 (Offence—possessing prohibited item), if the prohibited item is an item mentioned in section 12 (1), definition of prohibited item, paragraph (a) (i) to (v);
(iv)section 23 (Offences—failure to comply with direction); or
(b)the following provisions of the Crimes Act 1900, committed by the offender in an event venue during the crowd management period for the event:
(i)section 19 (Intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm);
(ii)section 20 (Recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm);
(iii)section 21 (Wounding);
(iv)section 22 (Assault with intent to commit other offence);
(v)section 23 (Inflicting actual bodily harm);
(vi)section 24 (Assault occasioning actual bodily harm);
(vii)section 25 (Causing grievous bodily harm);
(viii)section 26 (Common assault);
(ix)section 27 (Acts endangering life etc);
(x)section 28 (Acts endangering health etc);
(xi)section 30 (Threat to kill);
(xii)section 31 (Threat to inflict grievous bodily harm);
(xiii)section 33 (Possession of object with intent to kill etc);
(xiv)section 35A (Affray);
(xv)section 116 (Destroying or damaging property);
(xvi)section 391 (Fighting);
(xvii)section 393 (Indecent exposure); or
(c)the following provisions of the Liquor Act 2010, committed by the offender in an event venue during the crowd management period for the event:
(i)section 108 (Offence—abuse, threaten, intimidate staff);
(ii)section 138 (Offence—remain in or re-enter vicinity of premises).
corresponding ban order offence means an offence under a law of another Australian jurisdiction—
(a)prescribed by regulation; or
(b)that substantially corresponds to a ban order offence under this section.
corresponding law means a law of another Australian jurisdiction—
(a)prescribed by regulation; or
(b)that substantially corresponds to this section.
crowd management period means—
(a)for a major event—the major event declaration period; and
(b)for an important sporting event—the important sporting event notice period.
future event means an event that is likely to be the subject of—
(a)a declaration under section 6 (Major event—declaration); or
(b)a notice under section 9 (Important sporting event—notice).
future venue means a venue that is likely to be the subject of—
(a)a declaration under section 6 (Major event—declaration); or
(b)a notice under section 9 (Important sporting event—notice).
interested person means—
(a)the chief police officer; or
(b)an event organiser; or
(c)a venue manager.

Part 4Protection of commercial arrangements
Division 4.1 Protected symbols

Application—div 4.1
(1)This division does not apply to a major event to the extent that the Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Act 2014 (Cwlth) applies to the event.
(2)This division does not affect a right or remedy available to a person in relation to a symbol that is a protected symbol to the extent that the following apply to the symbol:
(a)the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth);
(b)the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cwlth);
(c)the Designs Act 2003 (Cwlth);
(d)the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cwlth).
(3)This division does not affect a right or remedy available to a person before the commencement of a major event in relation to—
(a)a business name registered under the Business Names Registration Act 2011 (Cwlth) before the commencement of the major event; or
(b)a company name registered under the Corporations Act before the commencement of the major event.
(4)This division does not affect a right or remedy available to a person before the commencement of a major event, in relation to preventing another person from passing off goods, services or a business as the goods, services or business of the first person.
Notice of protected symbol
(1)The Minister may give notice for a major event that a symbol is a protected symbol.
(2)The Minister may only give notice if satisfied—
(a)that the symbol relates to, and is sufficiently connected to, the identity and conduct of the major event; and
(b)that the event organiser has commercial arrangements in relation to the event that are likely to be adversely affected by the unauthorised use of the symbol; and
(c)on reasonable grounds it is necessary and appropriate to do so.
(3)If notice is given for a major event, the Minister must state the period for which the notice is in force (the protection period).
(4)A notice is a notifiable instrument.
NoteA notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
(5)The Minister must give additional public notice of the notice under subsection (4).
NotePublic notice means notice on an ACT government website or in a daily newspaper circulating in the ACT (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1). The requirement in s (5) is in addition to the requirement for notification on the legislation register as a notifiable instrument.
(6)Failure to publish a notice in accordance with subsection (5) does not affect the validity of the notice.
(7)In this section:
symbol—
(a)means any design, emblem, image, logo, mascot, mark or word; and
(b)includes any visual or aural representation of any part of those things.
Offences—unauthorised use of protected symbol
(1)A person commits an offence if—
(a)the person uses a protected symbol in the protection period for a major event; and
(b)the use is for a commercial purpose; and
(c)the person does not have the written permission of the event organiser for the event to do so.
Maximum penalty: 300 penalty units.
(2)A person commits an offence if—
(a)the person is a secondary user of a protected symbol in the protection period for a major event; and
(b)the secondary use is for a commercial purpose; and
(c)the person does not have the written permission of the event organiser for the event to do so.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(3)In this section:
protected symbol—
(a)means a symbol the subject of a notice under section 26 (1); and
(b)includes anything that so closely resembles the symbol that a reasonable person is likely to mistake it for the symbol.
protection period—see section 26 (3).
secondary user—see section 28 (2).

When protected symbol is used for a commercial purpose—pt 4
(1)For this part, a person (a user) uses a protected symbol for a major event for a commercial purpose, if—
(a)the user applies the protected symbol to the user’s goods or services; and
(b)the application is for the primary purpose of advertising or promoting, or enhancing the demand for, the goods or services; and
(c)the application would suggest, to a reasonable person, that the user is or was a sponsor of, or is or was a provider of other support for—
(i)the major event; or
(ii)any other event arranged by the event organiser for the major event in connection with the major event.
NotePar (c) is affected by s 29.
(2)Also, a person (a secondary user) uses a protected symbol for a major event for a commercial purpose if—
(a)another person has used the event’s symbol for a commercial purpose in relation to goods or services; and
(b)the other person is not authorised in writing by the event organiser for the event to use the protected symbol for a commercial purpose; and
(c)any of the following applies:
(i)for goods and services—the secondary user supplies, or offers to supply, the goods or services;
(ii)for goods—the secondary user—
(A)exposes the goods for supply by the secondary user; or
(B)keeps the goods for supply by the secondary user or by another person.
(3)In this section:
supply, of goods or services, includes—
(a)for goods—supply (including resupply) by sale, exchange, lease, hire or hire-purchase; and
(b)for services—provide, grant or confer.
Presumption etc relating to advertising or promotion etc
For section 28 (1) (c)—
(a)the application of a protected symbol by a person for the primary purpose of advertising or promoting, or enhancing the demand for, the goods or services, is on the face of it enough to suggest the existence of a sponsorship arrangement, or the provision of support; and
(b)doing any of the following is not alone enough to suggest the existence of a sponsorship arrangement, or the provision of other support:
(i)using a protected symbol for the primary purpose of criticism or review;
(ii)using a protected symbol for the primary purpose of providing information, including through reporting news and presenting current affairs.

Division 4.2 Clean zones

Application—div 4.2
(1)This division applies to a major event for the protection period for the event.
(2)In this section:
protection period—see section 32 (1).
Definitions—div 4.2
(1)In this division:
advertise means any form of communication (including selling or giving away goods or services) made to the public or a section of the public in relation to any—
(a)goods or services; or
(b)brand of goods or services; or
(c)person who provides goods or services.
clean zone, for a major event, means the location stated in the notice under section 32 (1) for the event.
(2)For this division, a person advertises if the person—
(a)pays for, commissions, or authorises the advertisement; or
(b)receives consideration for the placement or location of the advertisement.
Notice of clean zone
(1)The Minister may give notice for a major event that a location is a clean zone for a stated period (the protection period).
(2)The Minister may only give notice in relation to a major event if satisfied—
(a)that the event organiser has commercial arrangements in relation to the event that are likely to be adversely affected by unauthorised advertising in or near the clean zone; and
(b)on reasonable grounds it is necessary and appropriate to do so.
(3)A notice is a notifiable instrument.
NoteA notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
(4)The Minister must give additional public notice of the notice under subsection (3).
NotePublic notice means notice on an ACT government website or in a daily newspaper circulating in the ACT (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1). The requirement in s (4) is in addition to the requirement for notification on the legislation register as a notifiable instrument.
(5)Failure to publish a notice in accordance with subsection (4) does not affect the validity of the notice.
Offences—unauthorised street trading in or adjacent to clean zone
(1)A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)street trades in a clean zone for a major event; and
(b)does not have the written permission of the event organiser for the event to do so.
Maximum penalty: 300 penalty units.
(2)A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)street trades in an area adjacent to a clean zone for a major event to a person in the clean zone; and
(b)does not have the written permission of the event organiser for the event to do so.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(3)In this section:
street trade—
(a)means sell or give away goods or services; but
(b)does not include operating an existing business out of existing permanent premises of the business.
Offence—unauthorised advertising in clean zone
A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)advertises in a clean zone for a major event; and
(b)does not have the written permission of the event organiser for the event to do so.
Maximum penalty: 300 penalty units.
Offence—unauthorised advertising that is clearly visible from clean zone
(1)A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)advertises; and
(b)the advertising is clearly visible from a place within the clean zone for the event; and
(c)does not have the written permission of the event organiser for the event to do so.
Maximum penalty: 250 penalty units.
(2)For this section, advertising is clearly visible from a place within the clean zone for a major event if the advertising could be seen by a person in the clean zone without the person using visual apparatus other than contact lenses or glasses.
Exceptions—s 34 and s 35 offences
Section 34 and section 35 do not apply to advertising—
(a)if, in accordance with honest practices in industrial or commercial matters, the advertising is done by an existing organisation continuing to carry out its ordinary activities; or
Example
An existing business operates from premises within a clean zone. The business ordinarily advertises with signs on the outside of the building and in the front window. Section 34 and s 35 will not apply to an existing business that continues to advertise in the ordinary way.
(b)on clothing (including shoes) or other personal items being worn, carried, or used by—
(i)a member of the public, unless that item is being worn, carried, or used in co-ordination with other people with the intention that the advertising intrude on—
(A)an activity that is part of the major event; or
(B)the attention of a person attending or watching the major event; or
(ii)a person competing or participating in a major event; or
(iii)a volunteer engaged in the management or conduct of an activity that is part of the major event; or
(c)in a newspaper or magazine, or on a television, radio, or electronic device, being used for personal use, unless it is being used with the intention that the advertising intrude on—
(i)an activity that is part of the major event; or
(ii)the attention of a person attending or watching the major event; or
(d)on a train, boat or other vehicle, provided that the vehicle is being used to carry out its ordinary activities in its usual manner; or
(e)for an aircraft—
(i)to the normal markings on the aircraft; or
(ii)if the aircraft is used in an emergency or for, or in, the provision of emergency services.
NoteThe defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matters mentioned in this section (see Criminal Code, s 58).
Defences—s 34 and s 35 offences
It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against section 34 and section 35, in relation to an advertisement, if the defendant proves that—
(a)the defendant’s business includes publishing or arranging for the publication of advertisements; and
(b)the defendant—
(i)received the advertisement in the ordinary course of the business; and
(ii)did not know, and had no reason to believe, that publishing it would be an offence against section 34 or section 35.

Part 5Protection of ticketing arrangements

Definitions—pt 5
In this part:
original sale price, of a ticket, includes charges necessary to effect the sale or trade of the ticket.
Examples—charges
·     booking fee
·     credit card charge
·     delivery fee
ticket, to a major event, includes a ticket to an activity that is part of the event.
Notice of protection of ticketing arrangements
(1)The Minister may give notice for a major event that this part applies to the event.
(2)The Minister may only give notice in relation to a major event if the Minister—
(a)consults with the event organiser for the major event; and
(b)considers any submissions made by the event organiser about the need for this part to apply to the major event; and
(c)considers the likely demand by the public for tickets to the event; and
(d)considers the availability to the public of tickets to the event; and
(e)is satisfied on reasonable grounds it is necessary and appropriate to do so.
(3)A notice is a notifiable instrument.
NoteA notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
(4)The Minister must give additional public notice of the notice under subsection (3).
NotePublic notice means notice on an ACT government website or in a daily newspaper circulating in the ACT (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1). The requirement in s (4) is in addition to the requirement for notification on the legislation register as a notifiable instrument.
(5)Failure to publish a notice in accordance with subsection (4) does not affect the validity of the notice.
Offence—ticket-scalping
(1)A person commits an offence if—
(a)the person sells or trades a ticket to a major event; and
(b)the value of the ticket is more than the original sale price of the ticket; and
(c)the person does not have the written permission of the event organiser to do so.
Maximum penalty: 30 penalty units.
(2)In this section:
sell or trade, a ticket, includes any form of transaction in which a substantial purpose of the transaction is the sale or trade of the ticket for a value more than the original sale price of the ticket.
Offence—unauthorised use of ticket for financial benefit
(1)A person commits an offence if—
(a)the person uses a ticket to a major event for a substantial purpose of—
(i)receiving a financial benefit; or
(ii)giving a financial benefit to a party related to the person; and
(b)the person is not authorised in writing by the event organiser to do so.
Maximum penalty: 30 penalty units.
(2)This section does not apply to a person who—
(a)has bought or is given a ticket to a major event for personal use; and
(b)sells or trades the ticket for a value not more than the original sale price of the ticket.
(3)In this section:
financial benefit, in relation to the use of a ticket to a major event, means anything of economic value including publicity.
Example—publicity
a radio station gives away free tickets on behalf of a sponsor to callers to the station
uses, a ticket, includes—
(a)giving the ticket away as a prize in a lottery or competition; or
(b)including the ticket with the sale or trade of other goods or services; or
Example
a restaurant offers a dinner package that includes a free ticket to a major event
(c)exchanging the ticket for the redemption of points in a customer loyalty scheme.

Part 6Authorised people
Division 6.1 Authorised people—appointment

Appointment of authorised people
(1)The director‑general may appoint a person as an authorised person for this Act.
Note 1A police officer is also an authorised person (see dict, def authorised person).
Note 2For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see the Legislation Act, pt 19.3.
Note 3In particular, an appointment may be made by naming a person or nominating the occupant of a position (see Legislation Act, s 207).
(2)The director-general may appoint a person as an authorised person only if the director‑general is satisfied the person—
(a)holds a security licence; and
(b)is, or will be, employed by a person holding a master licence under the Security Industry Act 2003; and
(c)has not—
(i)committed an offence against this Act; or
(ii)been convicted or found guilty of an offence involving fraud, dishonesty, violence, drugs or weapons; and
(d)is capable of competently exercising the functions of an authorised person for this Act.
(3)The director‑general may end the appointment of a person as an authorised person if the person—
(a)ceases to hold a security licence; or
(b)is not employed by a person holding a master licence under the Security Industry Act 2003; or
(c)commits an offence against this Act; or
(d)has been convicted or found guilty of an offence involving fraud, dishonesty, violence, drugs or weapons; or
(e)is not capable of competently exercising the functions of an authorised person for this Act.
NoteAn authorised person’s appointment also ends if the person resigns (see Legislation Act, s 210).
(4)In this section:
security licence means a licence under the Security Industry Act 2003 that authorises the licensee to carry out crowd control under section 13 (1) (h) of that Act, whether or not it authorises the licensee to do anything else.
Identity cards
(1)This section applies in relation to an authorised person appointed under section 42.
(2)The director‑general must give an authorised person an identity card stating the person’s name and that the person is an authorised person.
(3)The identity card must show—
(a)a recent photograph of the authorised person; and
(b)the card’s date of issue and expiry; and
(c)anything else prescribed by regulation.
(4)A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)stops being an authorised person; and
(b)does not return the person’s identity card to the director‑general as soon as practicable (but not later than 7 days) after the day the person stops being an authorised person.
Maximum penalty: 1 penalty unit.
(5)Subsection (4) does not apply to a person if the person’s identity card has been—
(a)lost or stolen; or
(b)destroyed by someone else.
NoteThe defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matters mentioned in s (5) (see Criminal Code, s 58).
(6)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
Offences—authorised person must show identity card
(1)This section applies in relation to an authorised person appointed under section 42.
(2)An authorised person commits an offence if the authorised person—
(a)exercises a power under this Act in relation to a person; and
(b)does not first show the person the authorised person’s identity card.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(3)An authorised person commits an offence if the authorised person—
(a)is asked to show the authorised person’s identity card by—
(i)a police officer; or
(ii)an investigator; and
(b)does not show the authorised person’s identity card.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(4)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
(5)This section does not apply to an authorised person if the authorised person’s identity card is prominently displayed on the authorised person’s body.
NoteThe defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matter mentioned in s (5) (see Criminal Code, s 58).
(6)In this section:
investigator—see the Fair Trading (Australian Consumer Law) Act 1992, dictionary.

Division 6.2 Powers of authorised people

Definition—div 6.2
(1)In this division:
premises means only premises that the public is entitled to use or that are open to the public (whether or not on payment of money) and—
(a)for an authorised person appointed under section 42—that are in—
(i)a major event venue—for the major event declaration period; or
(ii)an important sporting event venue—for the important sporting event notice period; or
(b)for a police officer—that are in or near—
(i)a major event venue—for the major event declaration period; or
(ii)a clean zone—for the protection period; or
(iii)an important sporting event venue—for the important sporting event notice period.
(2)In this section:
protection period, in relation to a clean zone—see section 32 (1).
Power to enter premises
(1)For this Act, an authorised person may—
(a)at any time when the premises are open for business, enter the premises; or
(b)at any reasonable time, enter premises with the occupier’s consent.
(2)However, subsection (1) does not authorise entry into a part of premises that is being used only for residential purposes.
(3)An authorised person may, without the consent of the occupier of premises, enter land around the premises to ask for consent to enter the premises.
(4)To remove any doubt, an authorised person may enter premises under subsection (1) without payment of an entry fee or other charge.
(5)In this section:
at any reasonable time includes at any time when the public is entitled to use the premises, or when the premises are open to or used by the public (whether or not on payment of money).
Production of identity card
(1)An authorised person appointed under section 42 must not remain at premises entered under this part if the authorised person does not produce the person’s identity card when asked by the occupier.
(2)A police officer must not remain at premises entered under this part if the officer does not produce evidence that the officer is a police officer when asked by the occupier.
Consent to entry
(1)When seeking the consent of an occupier of premises to enter premises under section 46 (1) (b), an authorised person must—
(a)either—
(i)for an authorised person appointed under section 42—produce the person’s identity card; or
(ii)for a police officer—produce evidence that the person is a police officer; and
(b)tell the occupier—
(i)the purpose of the entry; and
(ii)that anything found and seized under this part may be used in evidence in court; and
(iii)that consent may be refused.
(2)If the occupier consents, the authorised person must ask the occupier to sign a written acknowledgment (an acknowledgment of consent)—
(a)that the occupier was told—
(i)the purpose of the entry; and
(ii)that anything found and seized under this part may be used in evidence in court; and
(iii)that consent may be refused; and
(b)that the occupier consented to the entry; and
(c)stating the time and date when consent was given.
(3)If the occupier signs an acknowledgment of consent, the authorised person must immediately give a copy to the occupier.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(4)A court must find that the occupier did not consent to entry to the premises by the authorised person under this part if—
(a)the question arises in a proceeding in the court whether the occupier consented to the entry; and
(b)an acknowledgment of consent is not produced in evidence; and
(c)it is not proved that the occupier consented to the entry.

General powers on entry to premises
(1)An authorised person who enters premises under this part may, for this Act, do 1 or more of the following in relation to the premises or anything at the premises:
(a)inspect or examine;
(b)take photographs, films or audio, video or other recordings.
NoteThe Legislation Act, s 170 and s 171 deal with the application of the privilege against self-incrimination and client legal privilege.
(2)A police officer who enters premises under this part may also, for this Act, do 1 or more of the following in relation to the premises or anything at the premises:
(a)take measurements or conduct tests;
(b)take samples;
(c)require the occupier, or anyone at the premises, to give the police officer reasonable help to exercise a power under this part.
NoteThe Legislation Act, s 170 and s 171 deal with the application of the privilege against self-incrimination and client legal privilege.
(3)A person must take reasonable steps to comply with a requirement made of the person under subsection (2) (c).
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
Police officer may seize things
(1)A police officer who enters premises under this part with the occupier’s consent may seize anything at the premises if—
(a)the police officer is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the thing is connected with an offence against this Act; and
(b)seizure of the thing is consistent with the purpose of the entry told to the occupier when seeking the occupier’s consent.
(2)A police officer who enters premises under this part (whether with the occupier’s consent or otherwise) may seize anything at the premises if satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
(a)the thing is connected with an offence against this Act; and
(b)the seizure is necessary to prevent the thing from being—
(i)concealed, lost or destroyed; or
(ii)used to commit, continue or repeat the offence.
(3)Also, a police officer who enters premises under this part (whether with the occupier’s consent or otherwise) may seize anything at the premises if satisfied on reasonable grounds that the thing poses a risk to the health or safety of people or of damage to property or the environment.
(4)The powers of a police officer under this section are additional to the powers of a police officer under any other territory law.
(5)Having seized a thing, a police officer may—
(a)remove the thing from the premises where it was seized (the place of seizure) to another place; or
(b)leave the thing at the place of seizure but restrict access to it.
(6)A person commits an offence if—
(a)the person interferes with a seized thing, or anything containing a seized thing, to which access has been restricted under subsection (5); and
(b)the person does not have a police officer’s approval to interfere with the thing.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(7)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.

Division 6.3 Return and forfeiture of things seized

Application—div 6.3
This division applies to a thing seized by a police officer under this part other than a prohibited item seized inside an event venue.
Note 1Div 7.1 provides for the retention, return and disposal of prohibited items surrendered or confiscated under s 15 (Offence—possessing prohibited item) or seized under s 50 (Police officer may seize things).
Note 2A prohibited item kept by a police officer under s 61 (a) (Retention and return of certain prohibited items) must be dealt with as if the item was seized under this division.
Receipt for things seized
(1)As soon as practicable after a police officer seizes a thing under this part, the police officer must give a receipt for it to the person from whom it was seized.
(2)If, for any reason, it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1), the police officer must leave the receipt, secured conspicuously, at the place of seizure under section 50 (Police officer may seize things).
(3)A receipt under this section must include the following:
(a)a description of the thing seized;
(b)an explanation of why the thing was seized;
(c)the police officer’s name, and how to contact the police officer;
(d)if the thing is moved from the premises where it is seized—where the thing is to be taken.
NoteIf a form is approved under s 66 for this provision, the form must be used.
Access to things seized
A person who would, apart from the seizure, be entitled to inspect a thing seized under this part may—
(a)inspect it; and
(b)if it is a document—take extracts from it or make copies of it.
Return of things seized
(1)A thing seized under this part must be returned to its owner, or reasonable compensation must be paid to the owner by the Territory for the loss of the thing, unless—
(a)a prosecution for an offence against a territory law in connection with the thing is begun within 1 year after the day the seizure is made and the thing is required to be produced in evidence in the prosecution; or
(b)an application for the forfeiture of the seized thing is made to a court under the Confiscation of Criminal Assets Act 2003 or another territory law within 1 year after the day the seizure is made; or
(c)all proceedings in relation to the offence with which the seizure was connected have ended and the court has not made an order about the thing.
(2)However, this section does not apply to a thing—
(a)if the director‑general believes on reasonable grounds that the only practical use of the thing in relation to the premises where it was seized would be an offence against this Act; or
(b)if possession of it by its owner would be an offence.
Forfeiture of things seized
(1)This section applies if—
(a)anything seized under this part has not been returned under section 54; and
(b)an application for disallowance of the seizure under section 57—
(i)has not been made within 10 days after the day of the seizure; or
(ii)has been made within the 10-day period, but the application has been refused or withdrawn before a decision in relation to the application had been made.
(2)If this section applies to the thing seized—
(a)it is forfeited to the Territory; and
(b)it may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the director‑general directs.
Power to destroy unsafe thing
(1)This section applies to anything inspected or seized under this part by a police officer if the police officer is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the thing poses a risk to the health or safety of people or of damage to property or the environment.
(2)The police officer may direct a person in charge of the premises where the thing is to destroy or otherwise dispose of the thing.
(3)The direction may state 1 or more of the following:
(a)how the thing must be destroyed or otherwise disposed of;
(b)how the thing must be kept until it is destroyed or otherwise disposed of;
(c)the period within which the thing must be destroyed or otherwise disposed of.
(4)A person in charge of the premises where the thing is commits an offence if the person contravenes a direction given to the person under subsection (2).
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(5)Alternatively, if the thing has been seized under this part, the police officer may destroy or otherwise dispose of the thing.
(6)Costs incurred by the Territory in relation to the disposal of a thing under subsection (5) are a debt owing to the Territory by, and are recoverable together and separately from, the following people:
(a)the person who owned the thing;
(b)each person in control of the premises where the thing was.
NoteAn amount owing under a law may be recovered as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction or the ACAT (see Legislation Act, s 177).
(7)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
Application for order disallowing seizure
(1)A person claiming to be entitled to anything seized under this part may apply to the Magistrates Court within 10 days after the day of the seizure for an order disallowing the seizure.
(2)The application may be heard only if the applicant has served a copy of the application on the director‑general.
NoteFor how documents may be served, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(3)The director‑general is entitled to appear as respondent at the hearing of the application.
Order for return of seized thing
(1)This section applies if a person claiming to be entitled to anything seized under this part applies to the Magistrates Court under section 57 for an order disallowing the seizure.
(2)The Magistrates Court must make an order disallowing the seizure if satisfied that—
(a)the applicant would, apart from the seizure, be entitled to the return of the seized thing; and
(b)the thing is not connected with an offence against this Act; and
(c)possession of the thing by the person would not be an offence.
(3)The Magistrates Court may also make an order disallowing the seizure if satisfied there are exceptional circumstances justifying the making of the order.
(4)If the Magistrates Court makes an order disallowing the seizure, the court may make 1 or more of the following ancillary orders:
(a)an order directing the director‑general to return the thing to the applicant or to someone else who appears to be entitled to it;
(b)if the thing cannot be returned or has depreciated in value because of the seizure—an order directing the Territory to pay reasonable compensation;
(c)an order about the payment of costs in relation to the application.

Division 6.4 Enforcement—miscellaneous

Damage etc to be minimised
(1)In the exercise, or purported exercise, of a function under this part, an authorised person must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the person causes as little inconvenience, detriment and damage as practicable.
(2)If an authorised person damages anything in the exercise or purported exercise of a function under this part, the authorised person must give written notice of the particulars of the damage to the person the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds is the owner of the thing.
(3)The notice must state that—
(a)the person may claim compensation from the Territory if the person suffers loss or expense because of the damage; and
(b)compensation may be claimed and ordered in a proceeding for compensation brought in a court of competent jurisdiction; and
(c)the court may order the payment of reasonable compensation for the loss or expense only if satisfied it is just to make the order in the circumstances of the particular case.
(4)If the damage happens at premises entered under this part in the absence of the occupier, the notice may be given by leaving it, secured conspicuously, at the premises.

Part 7Miscellaneous
Division 7.1 Surrendered or confiscated prohibited items

Definitions—div 7.1
In this division:
collection period, in relation to a returnable item, means—
(a)for an item other than perishable food—the period—
(i)starting from the time the item holder leaves the event venue on the day the item was surrendered, confiscated or seized; and
(ii)ending 28 days after the day the item was surrendered, confiscated or seized; and
(b)for perishable food—the period—
(i)starting from the time the item holder leaves the event venue on the day the item was surrendered, confiscated or seized; and
(ii)ending at the end of the day the item was surrendered, confiscated or seized.
item holder, in relation to a returnable item, means the person—
(a)who surrendered the item; or
(b)from whom the item was confiscated or seized.
non-returnable item means an item mentioned in section 12 (1), definition of prohibited item, paragraph (a) (i) to (vi) surrendered or confiscated under section 15 (Offence—possessing prohibited item) or seized under section 50 (Police officer may seize things).
returnable item means a prohibited item—
(a)surrendered or confiscated under section 15 (Offence—possessing prohibited item) or seized under section 50 (Police officer may seize things); and
(b)to which section 61 (a) does not apply.
Retention and return of certain prohibited items
Without limiting any other territory law—
(a)a police officer—
(i)for a non-returnable item—must keep the item; or
(ii)for any other prohibited item—may keep the prohibited item for a proceeding for an offence against this Act; and
(b)the police officer must deal with an item kept under paragraph (a) as if the item was seized under division 6.3 (Return and forfeiture of things seized); and
(c)for a prohibited item to which paragraph (a) does not apply—an authorised person must—
(i)tell the item holder that the item holder may within the collection period collect the item from the event venue or another location where the item is stored in a secure way; and
(ii)do either of the following:
(A)if the item holder requests the return of the item within the collection period—return the item to the item holder;
(B)if the item holder does not collect the item within the collection period—deal with the item in accordance with section 62 (2).
Storage and disposal of returnable items
(1)An event organiser must ensure that a returnable item surrendered or confiscated under section 15 (Offence—possessing prohibited item) or seized under section 50 (Police officer may seize things) is stored in a secure way until the earlier of the following:
(a)the item is collected by the item holder;
(b)the end of the collection period.
(2)If a returnable item has not been collected under section 61 within the collection period—
(a)it is forfeited to the event organiser; and
(b)the event organiser may sell, destroy or otherwise dispose of the item.

Division 7.2 Other matters

Obligations of ticket sellers
(1)This section applies to a person (a ticket seller) who sells tickets to an event.
(2)If the ticket seller believes on reasonable grounds that the event may be declared a major event, the ticket seller must take reasonable steps to tell each person buying a ticket to the event, before the person buys the ticket, that this Act may apply to the event.
(3)If the event is declared a major event, the ticket seller must take reasonable steps to tell each person buying a ticket to the event, before the person buys the ticket, that this Act applies to the event.
Compensation for exercise of search and enforcement powers
(1)A person may claim compensation from the Territory if the person suffers loss or expense because of the exercise, or purported exercise, of a function under the following provisions by an authorised person:
(a)section 16 (Offence—authorised person may search personal property);
(b)part 6 (Authorised people).
(2)Compensation may be claimed and ordered in a proceeding for—
(a)compensation brought in a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(b)an offence against this Act brought against the person making the claim for compensation.
(3)A court may order the payment of reasonable compensation for the loss or expense only if satisfied it is just to make the order in the circumstances of the particular case.
(4)A regulation may prescribe matters that may, must or must not be taken into account by the court in considering whether it is just to make the order.
Effect of disallowance of disallowable instrument
(1)This section applies if a disallowable instrument made under this Act is disallowed under the Legislation Act.
(2)Despite the Legislation Act, section 84 (Saving of operation of repealed and amended laws)—
(a)if a person has been investigated or prosecuted for an offence against this Act in relation to the event—any investigation of or prosecution for the offence must be discontinued and a person is taken never to have been investigated or prosecuted for the offence; and
(b)if a person has been convicted for an offence against this Act in relation to the event—
(i)the conviction for the offence is quashed; and
(ii)the person is taken never to have been convicted of the offence; and
(iii)any financial penalty and costs paid to the Territory must be refunded; and
(c)a civil or criminal proceeding does not lie against—
(i)the Territory for an act done or omitted to be done honestly by an authorised person, the event organiser or venue manager (an event party) in relation to the event in the exercise or purported exercise of a power under this Act; and
(ii)an event party for an act done or omitted to be done honestly by the party in relation to the event in the exercise or purported exercise of a power under this Act.
Approved forms
(1)The Minister may approve forms for this Act.
(2)If the Minister approves a form for a particular purpose, the approved form must be used for the purpose.
NoteFor other provisions about forms, see the Legislation Act, s 255.
(3)An approved form is a notifiable instrument.
NoteA notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
Regulation-making power
The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
NoteA regulation must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.

Dictionary

(see s 3)

Note 1The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to this Act.
Note 2For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:
·     Corporations Act
·     fail
·     found guilty
·     home address
·     magistrate
·     Magistrates Court
·     police officer.

advertise, for division 4.2 (Clean zones)—see section 31.
authorised person means—
(a)a police officer; or
(b)a person appointed under section 42.
clean zone, for a major event, for division 4.2 (Clean zones)—see section 31.
collection period, in relation to a returnable item, for division 7.1 (Surrendered or confiscated prohibited items)—see section 60.
commercial purpose, for part 4 (Protection of commercial arrangements)—see section 28.
event organiser, for a major event or important sporting event, means the person stated in the major event declaration or important sporting event notice as the organiser of the event.
event venue means—
(a)for a major event—the major event venue; or
(b)for an important sporting event—the important sporting event venue.
important sporting event means a sporting event to which an important sporting event notice applies.
important sporting event notice means a notice given under section 9.
important sporting event notice period means the period stated in the important sporting event notice for which the notice is in force.
important sporting event venue, for an important sporting event, means—
(a)the place stated in the important sporting event notice as the location for the event; and
(b)any place reasonably incidental to the holding of the event.
item holder, in relation to a returnable item, for division 7.1 (Surrendered or confiscated prohibited items)—see section 60.
major event means an event to which a major event declaration applies.
major event declaration means a declaration made under section 6.

major event declaration period means the period stated in the major event declaration for which the declaration is in force.
major event venue, for a major event, means—
(a)the place stated in the major event declaration as the location for the event (as varied by any notice under section 8 (Major event declaration—variation)); and
(b)any place reasonably incidental to the holding of the event.
non-returnable item, for division 7.1 (Surrendered or confiscated prohibited items)—see section 60.
original sale price, of a ticket, for part 5 (Protection of ticketing arrangements)—see section 38.
premises, for division 6.2 (Powers of authorised people)—see section 45.
prohibited item, for a major event or important sporting event—see section 12 (1).
returnable item, for division 7.1 (Surrendered or confiscated prohibited items)—see section 60.
ticket, to a major event, for part 5 (Protection of ticketing arrangements)—see section 38.
venue manager, in relation to an event venue, means the person responsible (whether wholly or in part) for the management and use of the venue.

Endnotes

About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the amendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are annotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details of these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are underlined in the legislation history and amendment history.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
Abbreviation key

A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument

AF = Approved form o = order

am = amended om = omitted/repealed

amdt = amendment ord = ordinance

AR = Assembly resolution orig = original

ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph

CN = Commencement notice pres = present

def = definition prev = previous

DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously

dict = dictionary pt = part

disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule

Assembly reloc = relocated

div = division renum = renumbered

exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No

Gaz = gazette RI = reissue

hdg = heading s = section/subsection

IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule

ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision

LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law

LR = legislation register sub = substituted

LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced

mod = modified/modification or to be expired

Legislation history
Major Events Act 2014 A2014-42
notified LR 3 October 2014
s 1, s 2 commenced 3 October 2014 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 4 October 2014 (s 2)
as amended by
Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2015 A2015-33 sch 1 pt 1.45
notified LR 30 September 2015
s 1, s 2 commenced 30 September 2015 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.45 commenced 14 October 2015 (s 2)
Liquor Amendment Act 2017 A2017‑13 sch 1 pt 1.2
notified LR 17 May 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 17 May 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.2 commenced 18 May 2017 (s 2 (2))
Work Health and Safety Legislation Amendment Act 2018 A2018-8 sch 1 pt 1.5
notified LR 5 March 2018
s 1, s 2 commenced 5 March 2018 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.5 commenced 29 March 2018 (s 2)
Animal Welfare Legislation Amendment Act 2019 A2019-35 pt 9
notified LR 10 October 2019
s 1, s 2 commenced 10 October 2019 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 9 commenced 10 April 2020 (s 2 (2))
Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (No 2) A2025-3 sch 1 pt 1.8
notified LR 14 March 2024
s 1, s 2 commenced 14 March 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.8 commenced 21 March 2025 (s 2)
Amendment history
Commencement
s 2om LA s 84 (4)
Major event—declaration
s 6am A2015‑33 amdt 1.146
Major event declaration—variation
s 8am A2015‑33 amdt 1.147
Important sporting event—notice
s 9am A2015‑33 amdt 1.148
Meaning of prohibited item
s 12am A2018‑8 amdts 1.22-1.24; A2019‑35 s 136, s 137
Offence—ban orders
s 24am A2017‑13 amdt 1.4
Notice of protected symbol
s 26am A2015‑33 amdt 1.149
Notice of clean zone
s 32am A2015‑33 amdt 1.150
Notice of protection of ticketing arrangements
s 39am A2015‑33 amdt 1.151
Storage and disposal of returnable items
s 62am A2025‑3 amdt 1.18
Repeal
pt 8 hdgom LA s 84 (3)
Legislation repealed
s 68om LA s 84 (3)
Dictionary
dictam A2015‑33 amdt 1.152
Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to the publication order.
Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an authorised republication are identical.

Republication No and date Effective Last amendment made by Republication for

R1
4 Oct 2014 4 Oct 2014‑
13 Oct 2015 not amended new Act

R2
14 Oct 2015 14 Oct 2015‑
17 May 2017 A2015‑33 amendments by A2015‑33

R3
18 May 2017 18 May 2017‑
28 Mar 2018 A2017‑13 amendments by A2017‑13

R4
29 Mar 2018 29 Mar 2018‑
9 Apr 2020 A2018‑8 amendments by A2018‑8

R5
10 Apr 2020 10 Apr 2020–
20 Mar 2025 A2019‑35 amendments by A2019‑35

A = Act	NI = Notifiable instrument
AF = Approved form	o = order
am = amended	om = omitted/repealed
amdt = amendment	ord = ordinance
AR = Assembly resolution	orig = original
ch = chapter	par = paragraph/subparagraph
CN = Commencement notice	pres = present
def = definition	prev = previous
DI = Disallowable instrument	(prev...) = previously
dict = dictionary	pt = part
disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative	r = rule/subrule
Assembly	reloc = relocated
div = division	renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired	R[X] = Republication No
Gaz = gazette	RI = reissue
hdg = heading	s = section/subsection
IA = Interpretation Act 1967	sch = schedule
ins = inserted/added	sdiv = subdivision
LA = Legislation Act 2001	SL = Subordinate law
LR = legislation register	sub = substituted
LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996	underlining = whole or part not commenced
mod = modified/modification	or to be expired

Republication No and date	Effective	Last amendment made by	Republication for
R1 4 Oct 2014	4 Oct 2014‑ 13 Oct 2015	not amended	new Act
R2 14 Oct 2015	14 Oct 2015‑ 17 May 2017	A2015‑33	amendments by A2015‑33
R3 18 May 2017	18 May 2017‑ 28 Mar 2018	A2017‑13	amendments by A2017‑13
R4 29 Mar 2018	29 Mar 2018‑ 9 Apr 2020	A2018‑8	amendments by A2018‑8
R5 10 Apr 2020	10 Apr 2020– 20 Mar 2025	A2019‑35	amendments by A2019‑35