A bold new initiative is underway in NSW, but it's not without controversy. The police commissioner has assured the public that drones flying over Moree are not for surveillance, yet some are questioning this claim.
Drones Over Moree: A New Era of Policing?
The NSW Police Force is trialing a six-month drone program, with officers remotely controlling drones from Sydney's Bankstown Airport. These drones will be launched from Moree, a town in northwest NSW. The police minister, Yasmin Catley, emphasizes that the drones' airborne cameras are for live video feedback to assist ground operations, not for everyday surveillance.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon further clarifies, comparing the drones' use to that of helicopters or planes. He states, "This is about responding to emergencies and taking prompt action against crime, not about surveillance."
But here's where it gets controversial. When asked about privacy issues, Commissioner Lanyon seems to contradict his earlier stance. He mentions that the drones won't be recording flights unless responding to a specific incident. This statement raises questions about the extent of surveillance and the potential for covert operations.
Why Moree?
Moree was chosen as the trial location due to its remote nature and the high crime rate in the area. Commissioner Lanyon visited Moree shortly after taking on his role and recognized the need for innovative solutions. The town's mayor, Susannah Pearse, supports the initiative, believing it will help tackle the high crime rate and make residents feel safer.
Operation Soteria: Targeting Youth Crime
Operation Soteria, launched in March 2025, aims to target young "ringleaders" committing violent crimes in the state's north and west. Early data suggests a positive impact, with the New England-North West region seeing a decrease in youth crime rates from 713.7 to 547.3 per 10,000 in the 2024/25 period.
Privacy Concerns and Legal Perspectives
While drone technology has been used by police forces across Australia for several years, the Moree trial has sparked privacy concerns. Nadine Miles, principal legal officer at the NSW/ACT Aboriginal Legal Service, warns of the risk of covert surveillance, stating that the live streaming of drones over Moree township could impact individuals' right to privacy and further erode trust in the police.
Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay shares similar concerns, questioning whether the trial complies with NSW surveillance laws. She emphasizes the need for clarity from the NSW Police on how the program meets legislative requirements.
A Game-Changing Technology?
Police Commissioner Lanyon assures that they have been working with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to ensure compliance. The police minister, Ms. Catley, believes this trial will be watched closely by law enforcement officers across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. She sees the remote control of drones as a game-changer, with potential for wider implementation, especially in regional NSW.
So, is this a step towards a safer community or an invasion of privacy? What are your thoughts on the use of drones in policing? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
