THE CCTV cameras in Junction Street, Nowra could be switched back on by the end of next week after the NSW government announced it would introduce exemptions to ensure local councils could continue to use CCTV cameras to prevent crime.
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NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said the introduction of the regulation should see CCTV cameras in the Shoalhaven back in operation by the end of next week, something Member for Gilmore and Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash welcomed.
Last week the Administrative Decisions Tribunal ordered the CCTV in the Shoalhaven City Council area be turned off after it found they breached privacy laws.
In response to approaches by Kiama MP Gareth Ward, Mr O’Farrell sought urgent advice from the Attorney General on the steps necessary to validate the continued use of CCTV.
“The NSW government is now drafting a regulation to provide appropriate exemptions under privacy laws to allow local councils to continue using CCTV,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“It’s expected the regulation will be in place by the end of next week and will mean the CCTV in the Shoalhaven can then be switched back on.
“The NSW government had no intention of allowing this tribunal decision to undermine police efforts to reduce crime on our streets.
“CCTV is a vital tool in the fight against crime and we are determined to ensure it remains so.
“Footage from these cameras has proven invaluable in assisting police – whether in tracking down the Boston bombers, or the persons responsible for the brutal rape and murder of Melbourne woman Jill Meagher or death of Thomas Kelly in Kings Cross.
“Along with Kiama MP Gareth Ward and South Coast MP Shelley Hancock I want to see the CCTV cameras in the Shoalhaven switched back on as soon as possible.”
Mrs Gash welcomed the announcement.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the announcement by the NSW Coalition government that they are urgently moving to close a loophole in the NSW Privacy Act that forced Shoalhaven Council to switch off CCTV late last week,” Mrs Gash said.
“Thanks to the swift lobbying efforts of almost the entire Shoalhaven community, council expects to be able to switch the cameras back on by the end of next week.
“I also would like to thank Kiama MP Gareth Ward and South Coast MP Shelley Hancock on taking the community’s steadfast CCTV support direct to the highest level of the NSW government.”
She said she hoped the federal Labor government would react with the same speed to close similar possible loopholes in Commonwealth legislation.
“This announcement is yet another example of what a community, united, can achieve,” Mrs Gash concluded.
