"They do not impact existing legislative schemes, for example, the right to protest is preserved." Under the changes, police would have the power to frisk search anyone entering or in a "protected security zone" and inspect anything they have with them. If practical, the officer must give the person an explanation for the search and ask for cooperation beforehand. Police will also have the power to stop, detain and search a vehicle before entering or in a protective security zone. Officers will also be permitted to enter and search any premises in a protective security zone without a warrant.

The power will not extend to homes - unless the occupier consents or the police officer reasonably suspects an offence "that will endanger the safety of a person may be committed in, or from, the residence". The bill's explanatory notes point out that people will be encouraged to avoid bringing larger bags and bulky items to Games events, and notes people will not be allowed to enter a Games major event area unless they consent to a search. Police will be allowed to use a firearms and explosives detection dog to carry out firearms and explosives detection on anyone entering or in a protective security zone. And officers will be able to give a person or group within the zone a direction, if the officer is reasonably satisfied it is necessary for safety. The powers will apply in designated areas associated with the Games, known as "protective security zones".

Protective security zones could include land or water, other than a Games major event areas, including public transport infrastructure. The areas will be included, with maps showing the boundaries, in regulation, but the Commissioner will have the power to declare an area a protected security zone in writing if there is an "urgent need". The Commissioner will have to obtain the Minister's approval, unless a delay in securing it would compromise safety and security, in which case they would inform the Minister afterwards. The number and size of protective security zones has not yet been determined. But they are likely to be entry points to major event areas, pedestrian routes from transport hubs to venues, park-and-rides, transport hubs and areas adjacent to triathlon and marathon routes.

Officers will also be exempt from filling out enforcement registers for searches of people, vehicles and premises to prevent them from becoming bogged down with paperwork in protective security zones and under the Major Events Act. If something untoward was found, the item would be recorded as part of that person's custody record. That amendment will not lapse at the end of the Games and would apply to all future prescribed major events under the Major Events Act. The powers will lapse on April 22, 2018 - one week after the Games end. The former Newman government introduced special powers for police for the G20 in 2014, including search and arrest, and also banned an array of unusual items, such as kites and eggs.

But Mr Ryan said the Commonwealth Games would be a very different event to the G20, and would have a different policing response. "The G20 involved a large number of police officers deployed for a short period of time in a central location," Mr Ryan said. "Security planning for the G20 took into account previous experiences of large scale civil disobedience and violent protest activity." In contrast, the Games will be a "celebration of sport" in a "friendly and welcoming atmosphere", Mr Ryan said. "However, the challenge of delivering a safe Games is compounded by the current global and national security environment.

"We live in difficult times - an unfortunate reality of a world threatened by terrorism." The police response for the Commonwealth Games will be high visibility across 18 venues over a month. Mr Ryan said police would focus on safety for crowds which were expected to form outside Games venues and in other public areas, including transport hubs. The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Corporation has engaged four specialist Australian security companies - MSS Security, Wilson Security, SecureCorp and SNP. "These security officers will be available to assist the large contingent of Queensland police officers and specialist personnel from other law enforcement agencies and the Australian Defence Force to deliver a safe Games," Mr Ryan said.

The QPS Commonwealth Games Group has also been liaising with Police Scotland, London Metropolitan Police and the French Police Nationale to incorporate lessons learned from the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the 2012 London Olympics, Europ 2016 and recent terror attacks. During 11 days of competition, Queensland will host 6500 athletes and team officials from 70 nations and territories. The athletes will compete on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville. The Police Powers and Responsibilities (Commonwealth Games) Amendment Bill 2017 has been referred to a parliamentary committee.