Police can use force to move body parts during strip-searches, NSW argues in appeal court
NSW police are appealing a ruling that limits their ability to use force during strip-searches. The appeal follows a class action loss regarding unlawful searches conducted at music festivals between 2018 and 2022. The state argues that police should have the power to move body parts to facilitate searches, despite a previous ruling stating otherwise.
- ▪NSW police lost a class action over unlawful strip-searches conducted at music festivals.
- ▪The state admitted to unlawfully strip-searching lead plaintiff Raya Meredith in May 2025.
- ▪Justice Dina Yehia ruled that police do not have the express power to use reasonable force during strip-searches.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A crowd at Splendour in the Grass in Byron Bay in 2018. NSW police lost a class action over unlawful strip-searches between then and 2022. Photograph: Zak Kaczmarek/WireImageView image in fullscreenA crowd at Splendour in the Grass in Byron Bay in 2018. NSW police lost a class action over unlawful strip-searches between then and 2022. Photograph: Zak Kaczmarek/WireImageAustralian police and policingPolice can use force to move body parts during strip-searches, NSW argues in appeal courtNSW police appeal after comprehensive class action loss in 2025 when force admitted music festival search of Raya Meredith was unlawful and unjustified Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Jordyn BeazleyThu 4 Jun 2026 02.02…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at the Guardian.
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