The Chris Minns Labor government is allowing the NSW Police to continue drone surveillance on Gomeroi Country in Moree for two more years, despite having done no assessment about how effective the drones have been in preventing crime.

NSW Police want the “PolAir Remote” program expanded to other regional areas, with no assessment yet to be filed about how effective the drones have been.

NSW authorities announced a six-month trial of the “world class, modern technology” police drones in January. There was no prior warning or public consultation.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley’s August 27 announcement that the trial would continue for two more years did not take many by surprise given that NSW Police have been campaigning for the drone surveillance. Catley told budget estimates on August 28 that the Labor government was “evaluating” the program, and “the business case” for the expansion would be released in September.

The Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT (ALS) is critical of the decision to expand the police’s use of drones. Sharif Deen, ALS acting chief executive officer, said the community has told it that the drones, which are perched atop of Moree Police Station, are being regularly deployed over the predominately Aboriginal areas of the township. They also said the drones are........

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