Security agencies in Western Australia have received expanded powers to deal with COVID-19, following recent amendments to the state’s Emergency Management Act.
The bill made several changes to the state’s Emergency Management Act, including the effective removal of a person's right to silence when providing information, giving authorities the power to issue directions to entire 'classes' or groups of people, and attach electronic tracking devices to anyone breaking quarantine.
Other amendments to WA’s Emergency Management Act, however, do not include this clause and allow for expanded security powers in future emergencies.These expanded powers include allowing authorities to issue directions to a 'class' or group of people, rather than an individual; as well as impose penalties of $12,000 fines and 12 months of imprisonment for non-compliance.
"In the name of , security agencies are getting new powers. These include powers to monitor people, powers to detain people… But also [includes powers to use] new equipment, like drone technology, vehicle license plate recognition and electronic tracking devices."In Western Australia, the interpretation of the amendment to the Emergency Management Act that allows electronic tracking in this and future emergencies, could further allow various types of devices to be used.
"Some of that technology may be entirely appropriate for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Venkataraman says.
deniseshrivell As if WA was not enough of a police state already. And Labor never saw an authoritarian piece of legislation it did not like.
The attack on your freedoms & liberties continues - all without parliamentary accountability !
TawandaButche1 So far WA not using heavy handed tactics as reported in NSW. Also NO ONE is holidaying in small towns
Well, that didn't take long. Imagine if we'd done this nationwide from day one. Tracked everyone under quarantine via GPS. We'd be like Taiwan. Free to live life normally. No home isolation.
At first, I thought the emergency measures were over-the-top. Now, I guess it's fair enough. As long as the rules apply to everyone.