Mobile surveillance units are being used in parks and public spaces across Melbourne to remotely monitor citizens during stage four restrictions, fuelling concerns that police and local councils have overstepped their authority.
Luis Ascui
Prahran resident Denzil Griffiths said he was disgusted that visitors to the park on High Street were being remotely monitored, which he said was "reminiscent of what's going on in Hong Kong"."This is just the latest intrusion in our lives and there's absolutely no justification for this type of surveillance. This is a public park, where parents go with there kids, people walk dogs and old people go for exercise as they're all entitled to do", Mr Griffiths said.
"The cameras can help to capture and deter breaches of Chief Health Officer directions as well as other crimes and community safety issues. For operational reasons we will not be providing commentary on how many of these units are being used or where and when they are positioned," the police spokesman said.
However, Liberty Victoria president Julian Burnside, QC, sided with the police and said the public health crisis justified the curtailment of some basic rights.
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