Issue: CCTV and rights to privacy

1. Issue: CCTV and rights to privacy

2. Background of Issue • In September 2012, the rape and murder of 29 year-old Irish woman Jill Meagher in Sydney Rd, Brunswick triggered outrage from the public.

3. Background of Issue • Integral to the eventual capture of her alleged killer was CCTV (closed circuit television) footage taken from a clothing store in which Jill and her attacker walked past. Without this footage it is highly unlikely that the crime would have been solved so quickly.

4. Background of Issue • One of the issues to be raised from this case is whether Melbourne should significantly increase the number of CCTV cameras it uses to monitor public areas. (The camera in the Jill Meagher case was privately owned and it was only a coincidence that it captured the attacker.) • Some government authorities have made fresh calls for more cameras to be installed, reinvigorating debate on their effectiveness and their potential impact upon society.

5. Background of Issue • Surveillance of the public using this technology has become common practice around the world, particularly in Britain where there are more than 1.8 million cameras in operation. • Supporters of the technology say the cameras help provide a safer environment for the public, assist police in crime detection and deter potential offenders.

6. Background of Issue • Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu supports an increased roll-out of CCTV cameras and has pledged $3 million in funding for local councils to install more over the next 12 months. He has also commissioned an audit to identify ‘black spots’ such as those close to public transport and nightspots.

7. Background of Issue • Presently there are 53 fixed spots and two mobile vans operating CCTV in public areas around Melbourne. The network is monitored at a central control hub that is permanently staffed. • Each high-resolution camera can identify faces from up to 500 metres away.

8. Background of Issue • Each camera costs around $30,000 to install. Melbourne’s lord mayor, Robert Doyle, advocates the widespread installation of CCTV cameras across Melbourne. He says they are “great weapons for city safety.”

9. Background of Issue • Those who oppose the widespread use of CCTV cameras claim it is not worth the taxpayer’s funds and represents a breach of basic human liberty and rights to privacy.

10. Stakeholders • State Government, premier Ted Baillieu • Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and local councils • Victoria Police • Australian taxpayers • Liberty Victoria • All Victorians who use public areas

11. P.M.I • Before we go any further, in small groups brainstorm a list of PMI ideas in response to the statement: ‘Victoria should support an increased roll-out of CCTV cameras in public areas.’

12. ‘CCTV: Do we need more?’ Read both articles and respond to: • What is the writer’s main contention? Express in one sentence. • List the arguments the writer puts forward to support his main contention. • How would you describe the tone of the article? • What are the main emotive appeals and persuasive techniques that you can identify in the article?

13. Start planning your speech • Carefully read the guidelines to your speech. Understand what is required of you. • Your speech will be presented in Term One at a date to be advised. You must start preparing now, paying close attention to the issue over the summer break and collecting as many resources as possible. You must quote a minimum of two sources. • Decide on your point of view and start preparing with the template provided.