Loss of privacy concerns council

Press, 21 July 1976, Page 10

Loss of privacy concerns council

Officials who come knocking at people’s doors should have to produce a magisterial warrant before being given the right to enter, says the Canterbury Council for Civil Liberties, commenting on the Electricity Amendment Bill. If enacted, the bill would give officers of the Electricity Department, and the various supply authorities, the right to enter any premises to determine how restrictions on power supply might be applied. The onlyrequirement would be the sanction of a general manager.

“Civil liberties’ groups are concerned about the possible invasions of privacy which might follow from so many people’s being empowered to enter and search,” said a statement released by the Civil Liberties Council.

Noting that statutory powers to enter premises had increased. so that officials from a number of departments could enter private premises without a warrant, the council said that what was needed now was the clarification of the rights of individual householders. “At the very least the council believes the bill should state that the Electricity Department notify its intention of seeking entry to particular homes well in advance of the visit, and this should be mandatory for each visit,” said the council’s statement.

Archery.— Next year's world archery’ championships will be held in Canberra, the ArcheryAssociation of Australia has announced. The championships will be held at Canberra's South* well Park from February 9 to 12.