Purpose
This policy is to provide guidance on the use of video or audio surveillance (“Surveillance”) either inside or outside your home, on shift or whilst performing your duties in accordance with your employment or engagement.
Each state and territory have their own laws and exceptions in relation to Surveillance. It is the responsibility of all Hireup Support Workers, Clients, Account Managers and Contractors to familiarise themselves with this policy and obtain independent advice before Surveillance is conducted.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- Clients
- Account Managers
- Support Workers
- Contractors
Who is responsible for the Surveillance?
In Australia, the person who is conducting the Surveillance is the person responsible for complying with their State or Territory’s laws. This means that if you have been conducting or are thinking about conducting Surveillance around your home, on shifts, or whilst performing duties in accordance with your employment or engagement, it is your responsibility to make sure you are following your legal obligations in how you are conducting that Surveillance.
Recommendation
Whilst each State and Territory have their own laws in relation to Surveillance and some exceptions which may apply in certain circumstances, Hireup strongly recommends the following steps be taken before you conduct Surveillance around your home or on shifts:
Generally:
- Obtain the written consent of the other person before you conduct any form of Surveillance.
In addition to the above, Clients and Account Managers should also:
- State on your Hireup Profile that Surveillance of your home or shifts will be carried out.
- New Support Workers: Before Support Workers attend a shift, confirm in writing that the Support Worker understands that Surveillance will be carried out around your home or on shifts.
Existing Support Workers: If you are already conducting Surveillance around your home or conducting Surveillance of shifts but you have not yet informed your Support Workers, inform your Support Workers immediately that Surveillance is conducted and obtain their consent (written consent is preferable) to the Surveillance.