Dutton pushes ahead with controversial facial recognition laws
Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton during question time on the 24th October, 2019. Sitthixay Ditthavong
Peter Dutton says his controversial facial recognition laws "will become legislation" despite suffering a major setback in federal parliament.
The Home Affairs Minister says he will continue to push for the laws, dismissing concerns that it could cause a mass surveillance scheme.
"Of course we will, it's nothing about mass surveillance," he told the Nine Network on Friday.
Dutton says the proposed laws are a measure to ensure people's safety. AAP
"It's about making sure that we can protect Australians who have their identities stolen."
Under Dutton's proposed plans, driver's licence, passport and visa images would be stored by the Department of Home Affairs.
Government agencies, banks and phone companies could then seek access to the data.
Parliament's powerful intelligence and security committee has blocked the legislation, telling the government to put stronger safeguards in place.
Liberal chair of the committee Andrew Hastie stressed the need for robust safeguards and appropriate oversight to be clearly explained in the legislation.
"Wanting to ensure the safety and security of all Australians is something that we all have in common, but we also need to protect citizen's rights while doing so," he told parliament on Thursday.
Mr Dutton acknowledged the bipartisan committee had problems with the draft laws.
"The department will sort that out with them and it will become legislation," he said.
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