Queensland Labor has come under scrutiny for its use of roadside cameras that capture facial shots of motorists. These images are then matched with car registration details and stored in a massive database held at the Roma Street police headquarters and in various Department of Main Roads computers. While initially presented as a measure to combat hooning (reckless driving), it has become apparent that these cameras serve a much larger purpose in public surveillance.
Despite their introduction in May, these cameras have made little impact on reducing vehicle theft or apprehending juvenile car thieves. Photos obtained by Cairns News reveal the presence of the surveillance devices, discreetly built into yellow trailers parked on Tablelands roadsides. One such camera was recently spotted near the Tropical Travellers Caravan Park on the outskirts of Mareeba and another near the intersection of Channel Road and the Kennedy Highway, a main access road for Lotus Glen Prison.
The primary objective of these cameras is to capture facial images of every driver, which are then uploaded in real-time to the databases held by the Department of Main Roads and the police. These cameras are equipped with high-resolution, infrared capabilities, enabling them to capture images of both front and rear seat passengers in any vehicle. The facial images are then matched with car registration numbers and stored in Queensland’s extensive data banks.
Concerns have been raised about the potential for this data to be linked with a DNA collection undertaken by Queensland Health two years ago. Though the Health Department denies storing DNA samples, it is possible that the facial recognition data could be combined with the DNA database. Some motorists may find it hard to believe that such a significant invasion of medical privacy could occur in Queensland, especially considering the recent mishap in the state’s DNA laboratory that led to the dismissal of thousands of samples used in court cases.
Interestingly, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s father, Henry, is the group chairman of several gene sequencing and storage companies. This connection adds a layer of intrigue to the company selected to store Queensland’s data. Motorists are encouraged to exercise their rights under Freedom of Information policies and request a copy of their personal data, including facial recognition imagery from roadside cameras and driver’s licenses.
The collection of facial recognition data, combined with banking information and DNA, will prove invaluable when the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is fully implemented in 2024-25. The Labor Party Corporation now possesses individuals’ facial images, ready to be linked with their bank accounts and DNA profiles. Those who dare to cross the state may find their bank accounts suspended or closed as a consequence. With physical cash gradually being phased out by 2026, individuals will have to contend with the challenge of how to survive in a cashless society.
The implications of this widespread surveillance and data integration are substantial and raise significant privacy concerns. The public should remain vigilant and informed about the extent to which their personal information is being collected and utilized by authorities.
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