The Minns Labor Government is pushing ahead with invasive spy laws regulating digital work systems despite the Bill being universally condemned by small business bodies like Business NSW and Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia.
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the proposed Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025 is a union power grab dressed up as workplace safety, handing union officials unprecedented access to sensitive business information.
“The Minns Labor Government has completely overreached with this Bill, which will slug our hardworking small businesses with more red tape,” said Mr Crouch.
“These new laws will grant unions like the CFMEU wide access to businesses’ computer systems to go through personal emails and data under the guise of work health and safety.”
“Our local small businesses are absolutely terrified at this Bill, which will only put the privacy of workers at risk and force them to hand over sensitive data.”
Concerningly the Minns Labor Government and local Labor MPs had failed to engage with local business chambers on the Central Coast.
President of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Matthew Wales said the government had never spoken to the Chamber on the changes.
“To date, we have not been consulted on this legislation by the NSW Government,” said Mr Wales.
“We do not support this legislation and will never support legislation that would compromise the integrity of our members’ privacy, operational records and intellectual property.”
President of the Gosford Erina Business Chamber David Evers said he had strong concerns with the proposed Bill.
“There isn’t a real need for this Bill, it seems like a fishing expedition,” said Mr Evers.
“It is not appropriate for unions to access sensitive and private business information with no cause.”