Surveillance Devices Act 2016

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14:33): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the minister representing the Attorney-General on the topic of the Surveillance Devices Act 2016.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: The Surveillance Devices Act 2016 restricts the installation, use and maintenance of surveillance devices and the communication of that information in material from these devices. A listening device, an optical surveillance device, including mobile phones, which capture video footage or photos, are covered by the provisions regulating these surveillance devices. Controls by investigating agencies, including SAPOL, are required, with annual reporting in relation to these surveillance devices. My question to the Attorney-General is: how many times in the last and first reporting period of the Surveillance Devices Act have the surveillance devices been used with regard to entry into a brothel, the section 32 warrant powers and the surveillance of prostitution-related offences?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:34): I am happy to refer the honourable member's questions to the appropriate minister or ministers and bring back a reply.