News

ATM safety legislation appears unlikely for now in Australia

May 31, 2004

SYDNEY - Proposed laws to improve ATM safety don't appear to have the necessary support.

According to a report in the Melbourne Herald Sun, Police Minister Andre Haermeyer promised in February that legislation would be introduced in the current parliamentary session that would force banks to install monitored closed-circuit cameras at selected high-risk ATM sites.

But according to the Herald Sun,the Australian Bankers Association has successfully lobbied senior government figures to block the proposal. The ABA's stance is believed to have support from sections of the Cabinet, which is expected to scuttle Haermeyer's plans.

Haermeyer had proposed legislation that would require banks to install surveillance cameras at some ATM sites and create standards for lighting and positioning of ATMs.

Haermeyer's spokesman, George Svigos, said the government is committed to increasing safety around ATMs.