Jane Prentice (Ryan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to start by welcoming all the Queenslanders in the chamber today. I know they share with me the outstanding work of Professor Brian Lovell at the University of Queensland, within my electorate of Ryan. Professor Lovell has seen his work on facial recognition technology incorporated into the design for a new form of spy glasses named the X6. This technology and the X6 have been picked up by the United States Defence Intelligence Agency (USDIA), who have just purchased 500 units for testing, putting Professor Lovell and his research unit firmly in focus.

This is an outstanding achievement for Professor Lovell and the company Imagus, which is involved in the development of the face recognition software that is the key feature of these glasses, which in turn has broad applications beyond counter-intelligence. It has recently been reported that there is even potential for this technology to be utilised in US schools to increase safety.

With the G20 to be held in Brisbane later this year, the trials of the units by the USDIA could position the company for significant sales. The Queensland Police Service is also believed to be interested in the application of the technology.

This is a wonderful advance for the promotion of Australian technology on the global market. Congratulations to Professor Lovell. I look forward to the ongoing successful collaborations from their research unit.