Yes, there is a significant portion of the Australian population that is concerned about the nation shifting towards an authoritarian police or surveillance state. Over the past few years, various laws and policies have been implemented that some believe infringe on civil liberties and individual rights. These include extensive surveillance measures, such as mandatory data retention laws, increased police powers, and various counter-terrorism laws that critics argue go too far in monitoring citizens’ activities.

Public discourse surrounding these issues has intensified, particularly amid discussions on freedom of expression, the right to protest, and privacy concerns. Advocacy groups, civil liberties organizations, and various segments of the public have raised alarms about the potential for overreach by law enforcement and the erosion of democratic freedoms.

Moreover, events such as protests against governmental policies and decisions often highlight the divide in opinions. While some Australians accept these measures as necessary for national security, others view them as a dangerous trajectory towards authoritarianism, fearing that the balance between security and civil liberties is tilting unfavorably.

In essence, while there is a segment of the population that values security over civil rights, there is also a strong and vocal opposition that is anxious about the implications of increasing state control and surveillance in Australian society. This ongoing debate reflects a broader concern about maintaining democratic principles in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape.