Almost every week the media reports on innovative uses for drones (or unmanned aerial vehicles) – such as during bushfires, to monitor cattle remotely, or to deliver medical equipment in remote areas. At the same time, there is increasing concern about drones’ potential to invade privacy and interfere with other aircraft.
The Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee is concerned that as this emerging technology is being rapidly adopted, the regulatory framework might not be keeping up. Regulation must ensure that safety and privacy are not compromised by the expansion of drone use in Australia.
The roundtable had three focussed sessions:
- Drone regulation;
- Drone applications; and
- Drones and privacy.
The Committee tabled its report on 14 July 2014.