Australian Capital Territory
Major Events Declaration 2003
Disallowable instrument DI2003—154
made under the
Major Events Security Act 2000, s 4 (Declaration of major events)

Explanatory Statement

This Declaration applies the provisions of the Major Events Security Act 2000 (the Act) to the Rugby World Cup matches being held at Canberra Stadium as part of the Rugby World Cup 2003.  The declaration is a disallowable instrument.

Clause 1 declares the games of the Rugby World Cup and associated activities, specified in Schedule 1, to be a major event under the Act. 

Clause 2 explains the declaration is in force only for the period specified.  

Clause 3 sets out the statutory conditions of entry which will apply to the event covered by the declaration.  Section 7 of the Act enables a declaration to specify particular conditions of entry to major events.  A person attending the event must comply with any statutory conditions of entry.  The Act contains offences relating to breaches of the statutory conditions.  The statutory conditions listed in clause 3 require persons entering or within the venue to undergo searches, if requested, and prohibit persons bringing certain items, known as “prohibited items”, into the venue.  

Clause 4 explains that the description of the event and the proposed times and dates of the event to which the declaration applies are specified in Schedule 1 and that Schedule 2 contains a list of the prohibited items.  Clause 4 also contains a formal description of the location of the venue for the event.  This formal description of the Canberra Stadium and surrounds is necessary to ensure that there is legal certainty as to the area which is covered by the declaration.  ACT Policing will conduct security operations for the event and exercise powers under the Act for that area.  

Clause 5 explains that there are restricted areas within the venue.  These are areas, such as the players’ changing room and officials’ boxes, to which members of the public will be denied access.  Under the Act, it is an offence to enter or remain in a restricted area without authorisation.