28 August 2008
QUEENSLAND TO RECEIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INTERCEPTION POWERS
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today confirmed that the Commonwealth has agreed to provide Queensland law enforcement agencies the power to use telecommunications interception.
Telecommunications interception powers are an essential investigative tool for modern law enforcement agencies and will assist Queensland to better combat serious criminal activity.
The Commonwealth will work with Queensland to prepare the necessary legislative amendments to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 and help establish their technical capability to use these powers.
The amendments will bring Queensland law enforcement agencies into line with every other police force in Australia.
The amendments will allow Queensland to use its Public Interest Monitor to oversight the use of telecommunications interception. This recognises that Queensland has long used this body to monitor the use of law enforcement powers by Queensland agencies.
Media Contact: Adam Sims 0419 480 224
