A Bellarine MP is calling for stronger protections on workplace surveillance as technology advances and job environments shift towards remote working.
Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee tabled its final report on Tuesday, May 13, regarding an inquiry into workplace surveillance across the state.
Committee chair and Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the report recommended that the state government introduce new workplace surveillance laws.
“Workplace surveillance that is excessive and lacks transparency has been shown to have a negative impact on employees’ morale, job satisfaction and commitment to their organisation,” she said.
“It has also been shown that it can intensify work, adversely affect employees’ mental and physical health and exacerbate the power imbalance between employers and employees.
“It became clear throughout the inquiry that many Victorian workers are unaware of the extent of surveillance in their workplace and how their employers are handling and storing data collected through workplace surveillance.”
Ms Marchant said the report recommended that the legislation include requirements for employers to notify and consult with workers about workplace surveillance practices.
“Existing legislation hasn’t kept pace with the dramatic changes that have occurred in recent decades and isn’t really protecting workers’ privacy,” she said.
“While future reforms may have implications for workplace surveillance, there is no guarantee when these changes will be made and if they will provide effective safeguards.
“Victorian employers should be required to notify and consult with workers about workplace surveillance practices and disclose how workers’ data will be collected, used and stored.”
Ms Marchant said she encouraged the government to introduce technology-neutral laws and ensured surveillance was reasonable and necessary.
“Surveillance has advanced beyond camera footage and the recording of telephone calls to incorporate keylogging, wearable trackers, biometrics, neurotechnology and artificial intelligence,” she said.
“While there are legitimate reasons for employers to undertake surveillance, such as to ensure workers’ health and safety, it can become problematic when employers use surveillance covertly for other purposes.”
The committee previously received more than forty submissions and held four days of public hearings in response to the report and inquiry.
