Australian gov’t expands body-worn camera trial to more NSW hospitals

A total of 15 hospitals are participating in the trial.

The Australian government in New South Wales (NSW) has extended its 12-month trial of body-worn cameras to Westmead Hospital, Lismore Base Hospital, and Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

A total of 15 hospitals across east Sydney, northern Sydney, south western Sydney, Hunter New England, the Illawarra Shoalhaven, the Mid North Coast and northern NSW are participating in the trial, said Health Minister Ryan Park.

Security staff at these and other participating hospitals are equipped with body-worn cameras, which can be activated during incidents involving aggression or violence.

The trial will determine how effective the presence of the cameras is at deterring and de-escalating violent incidents and will be independently evaluated once completed.

The trial will determine how effective the presence of the cameras is at deterring and de-escalating violent incidents. An independent evaluation will be conducted upon completion.

The trial began at Royal North Shore Hospital in December 2024.