SERIOUS doubts have been raised about the legality of closed circuit television (CCTV) installed by councils, but Wagga has been assured its push for cameras won’t come to a screaming halt.
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Last Thursday, the Administrative Decisions Tribunal ordered Shoalhaven City Council to switch off its 18 CCTV cameras – ruling in favour of anti-CCTV campaigner Adam Bonner and ordering council to “refrain from any conduct or action in contravention of an information protection principle or a privacy code of practice”.
The news has sent NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell into a spin, ordering an urgent review of the ruling.
“CCTV is a vital tool in the fight against crime and I am determined to ensure they remain so,” he said.
“I’ve asked the Attorney General to seek urgent advice on the implications and whether legislative amendments are required to validate the continued use of CCTV.”
Wagga City Council was aware the decision was due to be handed down, with mayor Rod Kendall remaining positive about the city’s future prospects of CCTV installation.
He said the decision will provide more clarity to council on privacy laws and push the state government to change legislation or take ownership of CCTV.
“I think it will clear up some of the murkiness and give council a way to work through the issues and overcome it to see the installation, or push the state government to have legislative changes,” he said.
“I would be quite happy to see the police take on the ownership of it through a partnership with the community to see it installed.
“I don’t see any reason why the current proposal can’t still be implemented in some way.”
CEO for Committee 4 Wagga (C4Wagga) Chris Fitzpatrick, who is calling for community support for CCTV through donations, echoed Cr Kendall’s comments saying he is still committed to see CCTV installation in the central business district.
“Hopefully the legislation is looked at to ensure it is retained in any case; we would just hope that it is resolved by the end of the year,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
“We’re more determined to fulfil our commitment to raise the $100,000 and we’re well on our way.
“Now the issue is out in the light, it’s a chance for the community to unite to see the right outcome.”
He said the saving grace for the city is that the project is still in its infancy, giving stakeholders the chance to fully review the decision and see how the government will respond.
“Barry O’Farrell, Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott have all come out and said they support CCTV as a crime prevention tool; with all the politicians on the same page I’m sure a change will occur to see it backed.”
