Powers to extend the use of surveillance cameras and listening devices given the green light

The State Government has been given the ability to arm transport officers with body cameras and fit driving instructors’ vehicles with cameras. But what they will do with the new powers is still being decided.

Powers to allow cameras and listening devices into driving instructors’ vehicles have been given approval.

The move comes just weeks after a driving instructor was accused of indecently assaulting his teenage students more than 40 times.

Moves to allow Transport Department staff, including investigators, marine safety officers and those monitoring the proficiency of driving instructors, to wear body cameras have also been given the green light.

However, the State Government is still deciding what to do with the new powers.

New regulations, gazetted during the week, have provided the legal framework for Department of Transport and Infrastructure employees to use body-worn cameras and listening devices, providing they are not concealed and people being filmed are informed.

Moves to allow Transport Department staff to wear body cameras have been given the green light.

The regulations are part of a broader plan to overhaul the state’s driving instructor sector. In February, a report revealed driving teachers had been accused of corruption, bribery and inappropriate behaviour with minors.

The shocking allegations – highlighted in a State Government survey that found 85 per cent of driving instructors and students were aware the system was corrupt – prompted a new look at the sector, including the possibility of compulsory cameras in vehicles.

Last month, a driving instructor accused of indecently assaulting his teenage students more than 40 times over a four-year period appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard said “driver training reforms in response to concerning, unacceptable incidents within the industry” were progressing.

“The reforms will look to improve safety and compliance, however, the detail of how these reforms will look are still being worked through,” Mr Wingard said.

“The department has been consulting with industry in relation to these reforms including the deployment of cameras in driver trainer vehicles.

“The regulations gazetted also provide the appropriate legal framework for the use of recording devices for department staff to further enhance safety and compliance.”

Two years ago, the department trialled the use of body-worn cameras with compliance officers, investigators and driver standards and marine safety officers who were undertaking compliance and standards work.