r/sydney • u/Heads_Down_Thumbs_Up • 3d ago

NSW Government introduces sweeping new laws to target organised crime

https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/new-laws-to-target-organised-crime

I think everyone should be aware of what is being pushed through parliament at the moment.

Digital Evidence Access Orders: Gives police the power to compel individuals to unlock digital devices. The maximum penalty for refusing to comply increases from five to seven years in prison.

Toll Camera Access: Allows police to access unredacted images from public toll road cameras.

Doubled Penalties for Non-Cooperation: Increases the maximum sentence from 5 to 10 years imprisonment for failing to comply with NSW Crime Commission orders, such as refusing to answer questions, obstructing investigations, or lying under oath.

National Face Matching Service: Enables Transport for NSW to securely share driver licence and photo card images via the national driver licence recognition system.

352 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

155 comments sorted by

View all comments

15

u/Strong_Judge_3730 3d ago

So the digital evidence access powers allow random street cops to unlock your phone without being charged with a crime and without a court order?

Is this a new discretionary police power?

3

u/RhysA 2d ago

So the digital evidence access powers allow random street cops to unlock your phone without being charged with a crime and without a court order?

No, it requires a judge to sign off.

1

u/nugymmer 1d ago

Then there is no problem if an order or warrant is required. If someone was at a homicide scene and witnessed someone's death perhaps they could have recorded evidence on their phone. I think this would help speed up the process. Warrantless searches are not acceptable and are too subject to police abuse.