The Australian Government is also considering processes that ensure relevant agencies across Australia are empowered to act and respond to unlawful drone use to keep communities safe.
The department is developing policies, processes and regulations to improve appropriate access to counter-drone capabilities. This will include improved coordination of capabilities between agencies and governments to ensure a range of users have improved access to data on drone activity to manage security risks, and that interdiction capabilities can be deployed where appropriate.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has made the Radiocommunications (Exemption – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Disruption) Determination 2022 that supports Australian police access to counter-drone equipment to provide safety and security that would otherwise be unlawful under the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
The ACMA also supports innovation and industry development of certain types of counter-drone capability through its exemption framework. More information on how the framework facilitates access to banned equipment, including for research and development activities, and manufacturing of banned equipment is available on the ACMA website.