Melbourne’s mayor has rejected suggestions CCTV cameras infringe on people’s right to privacy.

Greens candidate for Lord Mayor Olivia Ball, who plans to unseat Robert Doyle, told Neil Mitchell yesterday they would be launching a new policy on CCTV cameras. 

She said everyone has the right to privacy.

Cr Doyle said he believed the cameras helped to avoid and prevent crimes from happening.

‘I will defend the use of CCTV and the extension of CCTV in the city. It is just a crucial tool in identifying perpetrators, in prosecuting them,’ he said.

‘It’s not just a reactive thing, it’s a proactive thing.’

Click PLAY to watch Lord Mayor Robert Doyle: