Thousands Strip Searched Without Cause? NSW Police Face Major Class Action
A class action brought against the state of New South Wales has shed light on what may be one of the most widespread overreaches of police power in recent memory. More than 3,000 individuals — many of them young festivalgoers — are seeking justice after allegedly being subjected to unlawful strip searches by NSW Police between 2016 and 2022.
This legal action, if successful, could set a powerful precedent on how law enforcement conducts personal searches. Many legal professionals and civil liberties groups, including the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, have called the lawsuit a potential “watershed moment” in challenging the misuse of discretionary powers under state law.
At the heart of the case is lead plaintiff Raya Meredith, who testified to a deeply distressing experience at the 2018 Splendour in the Grass festival, where she was searched after a police dog briefly sniffed in her direction. The search, which involved highly invasive procedures, yielded no drugs or contraband. NSW Police has since admitted the search was unlawful.
This admission is significant — not only because it validates Ms. Meredith’s experience, but because it opens the door for thousands of others to claim damages for breaches of privacy and unlawful detention under the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002.
What Does the Law Actually Say?
The Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act requires strip searches be conducted only when the seriousness and urgency of the situation demands it. Yet, court documents revealed that many of the searches relied on vague justifications — such as appearing “nervous” or being present at a festival “known for drug use.”
Internal records show that not a single one of the 205 strip-searches conducted at that event properly documented the required threshold of necessity. This lack of documentation is not a minor clerical oversight — it may constitute systemic abuse of power under NSW law.
According to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), proper recordkeeping is one of the most important safeguards to ensure officers comply with both statutory limits and internal guidelines. Failure to maintain this standard undermines the legality of every action that follows.
Concerning Patterns and Lack of Oversight
Perhaps most concerningly, evidence presented in court shows that NSW Police were well aware of the limitations of their methods. Drug detection dogs, often used as the basis for initiating strip searches, were known to the force to have a hit rate of just 30%. Despite this, the searches continued, with little oversight or proper training — a fact which the presiding judge called a matter of “grave concern.”
This revelation has ignited further calls for reform. Experts from the University of Sydney Law School and UNSW Faculty of Law & Justice have argued that continuing to rely on such unreliable evidence amounts to a breach of public trust and may be in violation of basic civil liberties protected under NSW law and the Australian Human Rights Commission.
One internal document cited in the class action references training deficiencies and confusion among officers about the legal standard required to initiate a strip search. This undermines the very justification for their use — especially in highly charged environments like music festivals where anxiety, excitement, and crowd behaviour can easily be misread.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
Media investigations by outlets such as ABC News and The Sydney Morning Herald have amplified public concern, with stories detailing harrowing personal accounts of strip searches carried out on minors and women. These reports have led to mounting pressure on the NSW Police Force and its Commissioner to issue a formal apology and implement reforms immediately.
Public backlash has also prompted questions in Parliament, with several members of the Legislative Assembly demanding an audit of police search practices and greater transparency from the LECC. The LECC itself is reportedly investigating whether internal disciplinary actions were taken when officers breached the law — or if such breaches were quietly ignored.
The Role of the Class Action
This class action is being run by prominent legal advocates with support from civil rights organisations across Australia. It seeks not only financial redress for those subjected to unlawful searches but also injunctive relief to limit the powers of strip searches in public settings. According to Jameson Law, such legal action can serve as both remedy and deterrent — reminding state institutions that accountability applies equally to those enforcing the law.
Class actions also allow individuals to come forward without facing the emotional and financial burden of launching a solo claim. Many affected participants report trauma, shame, and ongoing mental health effects that have prevented them from returning to public events. This collective legal avenue ensures their voices are heard and their rights respected.
What This Means for You
If you were subjected to a strip search at a NSW music festival, protest, or public event between 2016 and 2022 — especially where no charges were laid or no consent was provided — you may be eligible to join the class action. Submitting your story can help strengthen the case and push for systemic change.
Even if you are not part of the current lawsuit, understanding your rights is crucial. According to Legal Aid NSW, you have the right to ask police why a search is being conducted, request an officer of the same sex, and to have the procedure carried out in a private area.
Looking Ahead
This case not only raises questions about the lawfulness of past police conduct, but also broader issues of accountability and transparency within the system. As the class action progresses, it’s a critical reminder that even longstanding procedures must meet legal standards — especially when they involve such invasive powers.
The case is still before the courts, but early signs suggest it could reshape the way police search powers are understood and enforced across NSW. With mounting evidence, increasing political scrutiny, and strong legal representation, the outcome of this action could set a lasting precedent.
To discuss your rights or get help navigating a past police search, speak with Jameson Law. We stand with you — and we’re ready to take action.
