Victoria should legislate to protect the rights of workers from intrusive workplace surveillance, a report tabled in the Legislative Assembly today has recommended.

The Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee inquired into workplace surveillance in Victoria, finding it has accelerated in recent years as a result of technological advancements and the shift towards remote working.

Surveillance has moved beyond camera footage and the recording of telephone calls to incorporate keylogging, wearable trackers, biometrics, neurotechnology and artificial intelligence, the inquiry found.

“Existing legislation hasn’t kept pace with the dramatic changes that have occurred in recent decades and isn’t really protecting workers’ privacy,” said Committee Chair Alison Marchant.

The report recommends the Victorian Government introduce new workplace surveillance laws that are technology neutral and ensure surveillance is reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieve a legitimate objective.

“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 Committee has proposed that legislation include requirements for Victorian employers to notify and consult with workers about workplace surveillance practices and disclose how workers’ data will be collected, used and stored.

“Victoria has the opportunity to lead the way with dedicated laws requiring workplace surveillance to be necessary and reasonable,” Ms Marchant said.

The Committee received more than forty submissions and held four days of public hearings.

The report, which is published on the Committee’s website, contains 29 findings and makes 18 recommendations.