Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey, introduced the Major Events Bill without fanfare on Tuesday Morning.  In her speech, Ms Stuckey said the legislation would send "a clear message that Queensland recognises the value of major events and that we are the pre-eminent destination for major events".

But it also boosts police powers to remove and search attendees at major events, while also empowering others, such as public servants, private contractors and "appropriately trained volunteers" with some of the same powers, a measure currently part of the Police Powers and Responsibilities and Motor Racing Events acts.

"This approach allows for flexibility in enforcement options for a major event, and helps free up valuable police resources for where they are needed most – with authorised persons able to perform duties such as bag checks or directing persons within a major event area," the explanatory notes attached to the legislation read.

"The bill includes some safeguards. For example, only a police officer can use reasonable force."

The bill only allows someone to be appointed as an 'authorised person' if they have the "necessary experience, expertise or training to carry out the functions of the training".

Those who live or work in an area set aside for a major event, would be required to obtain an 'occupant pass', similar to the G20 legislation, to access their home or business, but may be subject to curfews.

While items such as laser pointers, weapons, flares and explosives would be banned from major events and carry with them fines, so would busking, or attempting to sell unauthorised items within the designated event area, including public land which falls under the control of the event organisers. The legislation would prevent protesters, or others attempting to hand out fliers or distributed documents which have not been previously approved in the same area - unless they have a "reasonable excuse".

Aircraft will also be banned from the airspace above a major event - unless given permission prior to the event.

The legislation would apply when the Governor-in-Council, which is the Governor acting with members of the Cabinet, declared an event as 'major', on the recommendation of the minister.  While the Commonwealth Games would "require the full suite of the legislaiton", other events, such as the Asian Cup and the V8 Supercars would still see some of the measures applied.

The government sees it as a "one-stop-shop" for events, which would put it on "equal footing" with other Australian jurisdictions and prevent the need for event specific legislaiton to be created in the future.

But it also acknowledges, within its explanatory notes, that "some of the provisions in the bill that relate to crowd and safety powers have the potential to impact on the rights and liberties of individuals, particularly within the prescribed major event area".

"...These provisions are required to enable a major event to be staged effectively and to ensure the safety and security of patrons. Ensuring the safety and security of patrons will help establish and maintain Queensland's reputation as a major event destination and assist in managaing anti-social behaviour."

The legislation allows 'authorised' persons to search attendees "similiar to a search conducted prior to a person being permitted to enter a departure area at an airport".

Those who refuse would be banned from the event for 24-hours.

The legislation has been sent to committee for review.  It is due to report back by November.