Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) — I have a question about clause 1(a). In terms of remote access to electronic equipment — while I appreciate that is probably a lot less intrusive than physical access and physical searches — I am assuming this will lead to an increase in covert search warrants. It will be a less onerous option for the police and probably a better one, but it is potentially concerning. I am wondering if the minister can clarify what the limits are to the remote electronic search. For example, can police access passwords and then view a person’s various accounts, and if they did that, could they then send emails, for example, using those accounts to then gather further information?
Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) — After looking at this, I support the amendment Ms Pennicuik’s has moved. I appreciate that the police need these powers; I understand that and I am very supportive of that. I do think the term ‘operate’ in this context is quite broad and could be extended. I think Ms Pennicuik’s amendment does define it better while still enabling the police, through the warrant process, to add additional activity to it. But I feel this does provide a safety net.
