Racial profiling fears raised as Queensland seeks to expand police search powers

Civil liberties groups have raised objections to a new Queensland police bill which would allow officers to search people for weapons without reasonable suspicion. Photograph: Darren England/AAP

Queensland human rights organisations have warned the planned expansion of police powers by allowing them to search people for weapons could restrict personal freedoms and lead to racial profiling.

The police powers and responsibilities amendment bill – also known as Jack’s Law – will allow Queensland officers to search people for weapons on public transport and in nightclub precincts, without reasonable suspicion to do so, using a metal detection wand.