NSW police overusing ‘highly intrusive’ legal powers to monitor phones and computers, national watchdog finds

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Josh ButlerMarch 18, 2026 at 03:00 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A report by the Commonwealth Ombudsman found that the New South Wales police force is overusing its legal powers to monitor phones and computers, even in cases involving less serious crimes. The investigation, which examined prospective data authorizations, revealed that NSW police accessed telecommunications data for offenses punishable only by fines, violating the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979, which requires a minimum three-year imprisonment penalty for such surveillance. The ombudsman expressed concern that this practice may be unlawful and disproportionately infringes on individuals' privacy. The report also cited insufficient record-keeping by Victoria and Queensland police regarding their use of electronic surveillance powers.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Queensland Police ×260% Victoria Police ×260% Iain Anderson 60% Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 ×270% New South Wales 70% Commonwealth Ombudsman ×480% New South Wales Police Force ×490%

Keywords

nsw police 100% electronic surveillance 90% police monitoring 90% privacy 80% legal powers 70% data access 70% intrusive technology 60% commonwealth ombudsman 60% telecommunications interception and access act 60% record-keeping 50%