Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to introduce exemptions so that local councils can continue using Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras to prevent crime.
“On Monday, I backed the ongoing use of CCTV by local councils and today I am pleased the Government has delivered,” Mr O’Dea said.
Last week the Administrative Decisions Tribunal ordered the CCTV in the Shoalhaven Council area be turned off after it found they breached privacy laws – raising concerns about their continued use in Ku-ring-gai and Warringah.
The tribunal’s decision prompted the Premier to seek urgent advice from the Attorney General on the steps necessary to validate the continued use of CCTV.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is determined to ensure CCTV remains a vital tool in the fight against crime here in the Ku-ring-gai and Warringah Local Government Areas,” Mr O’Dea said.
“That is why the NSW Government is now drafting a regulation to provide appropriate exemptions under privacy laws to allow the councils continuing use of CCTV in our area.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is taking decisive action to prevent this tribunal decision undermining the efforts of local police to reduce crime on our streets,” Mr O’Dea said.
“We know CCTV footage has been invaluable in helping police in track down suspects in cases such as the Boston bombings, the brutal rape and murder of Melbourne woman Jill Meagher and the death of Thomas Kelly in Kings Cross.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is leading the fight against crime by delivering an additional 370 police, as well boosting their powers to tackle crime.
“Just this week an additional six new police officers began their careers in North Sydney, Ku-ring-gai and Northern Beaches Local Area Commands, which cover the Davidson Electorate,” Mr O’Dea said.
