National News
NSW Police Urged to Stop Strip-Searching People
On October 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of New South Wales ruled that police cannot legally conduct strip searches based solely on the suspicion of drug possession and highlighted systemic abuse in the execution of such searches.
The case was brought by Slater and Gordon Lawyers and the Redfern Legal Centre, challenging police strip searches at music festivals between 2016 and 2022, many of which were deemed unlawful, including searches of minors. A notable case involved teenage girl Raya Meredith, who was strip-searched at a 2019 music festival, describing the experience as humiliating and frightening, sparking national debate on police misconduct.
The court ruled that suspicion of drug possession alone does not provide legal grounds for strip searches. It also found that police failed to comply with the law regarding necessity and proportionality, particularly in urgent situations.
While the case is ongoing, critics argue that procedural changes alone are insufficient and call for comprehensive legal reform to protect citizens’ basic rights.