There has been fiery debate in State Parliament over the government’s legislation proposing greater stop and search powers for police, with comparisons made to Nazi Germany.

The legislation would allow police to search people for weapons and drugs in areas such as Northbridge without having to prove grounds of suspicion.

Last night Liberal backbencher Peter Abetz spoke in support of the legislation and used the example of Hitler.

He said the dictator gained support because he provided people security in a time of anarchy.

The Opposition’s Mark McGowan today seized on the comments in State Parliament.

But Mr Abetz says he was not endorsing Hitler, only highlighting the importance people place on security.

“When it comes to the crunch, people prefer to be safe than to have freedom,” he said.