The Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) have raised concerns over a plan to install video recording devices on all Australian trains, saying it will lead to a “Big Brother style” surveillance system.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) is presenting the proposal to mandate the use of CCTV cameras in trains to a meeting of federal, state, and territory transport ministers later this week.
ONRSR said the update would provide more information to prevent rail incidents in Australia, which on average, cost the Australian economy over $500 million ($USD 387 million) per year.
