SYDNEY, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- New South Wales (NSW) Police Minister Michael Daley said on Monday secret cameras were being used to catch arsonists in Australia during the bushfire season.

    Daley told Fairfax Radio the cameras are being hidden in bushland where arson was likely.

    The minister said throughout the coming summer police would also closely watch people who had been convicted of arson.

    He revealed a task force had been set up and its members were warning these people of the increased risk of being caught if they set fires.

    Daley said police would investigate people seen on camera who did not have good reason for being in fire prone areas.

    One arrest for suspected arson had already been made in NSW two weeks ago.

    Under new laws the penalty for lighting a fire during a total fire ban has doubled to 1,100 Australian dollars (1,012 U.S. dollars).

    If court action is required offenders can face maximum penalties of up to 5,500 Australian dollars (5,059 U.S. dollars).