Do the Australian rangers have any authority/power?
I live in NSW, but I am sure the answer in WA would be exactly the same. I know the Mandurah Foreshore – I’ve been there… it’s a lovely place! Rangers are generally employed by the local council to enforce local laws (including parking, domestic animals, public parks, pools and gardens and also littering). They have the jurisdiction to issue on the spot fines for breaking these rules. While a council ranger probably wont “arrest” someone for telling them to piss off, I guarantee they will contact the police to attend. Under state government legislation, council rangers are still considered law enforcement officers and assaulting a council ranger carries the same punishment as assaulting a police officer. Police have greater powers though to detain a person who is breaking the law (regardless of what the law is), issue infringement notices, and for repeat offenders the persons dogs can be removed. I know it seems silly to fine people for having dogs on the foreshore, but in many areas
