Parliamentary Inquiry Looks Into Biometric Workplace Surveillance in Victoria

A parliamentary inquiry into workplace surveillance in the Australian state of Victoria will hold public hearings throughout September and November, following the receipt of 42 submissions from individuals and organizations. The inquiry, conducted by the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee, is examining the impacts of workplace surveillance on employees, with a particular focus on the role of new technologies.

Biometric surveillance is a key area of concern highlighted in the submissions. Legal experts, unions, and other organizations have raised alarms about the lack of specific legislation in Victoria governing the use of such technologies in the workplace. Unlike New South Wales, where employers are legally required to notify employees about workplace surveillance, Victoria’s laws do not mandate disclosure or provide clear guidelines on how the collected biometric data should be used or stored.

The Australian Lawyers Alliance and the Law Institute of Victoria argue that the current “patchwork” of regulations is inadequate to address the privacy concerns posed by modern surveillance methods. They advocate for more comprehensive legislation, similar to that in NSW and the Australian Capital Territory, to ensure greater protection for workers’ privacy.

The inquiry’s hearings will feature a diverse range of voices, including unions, legal experts, and employer groups, all discussing the impact of surveillance on workplace culture, employee health, and overall wellbeing.

Source: Parliament of Victoria

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August 27, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith