Government does about-face on terror suspect identification scheme

THE Andrews Government is threatening to pull Victoria’s support from a new national facial recognition scheme designed to help authorities identify terror suspects and other criminals.

THE Andrews Government is threatening to pull Victoria’s support from a new national facial recognition scheme designed to help authorities identify terror suspects and other criminals.

State and territory leaders agreed to the plan last year, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull saying it would allow agencies to crosscheck driver’s licences instantly instead of waiting more than a week.

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At the time, Premier Daniel Andrews said the current system was “not fit for purpose” and such information needed to be shared more quickly.

But Victorian Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings warned federal legislation to set up the facial recognition system went beyond the terms of last year’s agreement.

Victorian Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings has raised concerns about local governments and the private sector being able to access the information. Picture: Getty Images

He raised concerns about local governments and the private sector being able to access the information.

He also questioned the lack of “stringent checks and balances” to protect people’s privacy and suggested an independent regulator was needed.

Mr Jennings called on the federal government to alter its legislation, warning that if it did not, “Victoria would need to consider whether it wishes to participate”.