'We cannot allow discrimination to sneak back into the workplace via AI'
The Labor government in Victoria has pledged to regulate the use of artificial intelligence tools in recruitment and workplace surveillance if re-elected in the November election.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced on Monday that they would introduce new measures that will protect employees from inappropriate and unfair uses of AI in the workplace.
One of the measures is an amendment to the Equal Opportunity Act to prevent AI from discriminating by race, gender, sexuality, religion, or other personal characteristics when used during the recruitment process.
"We cannot allow discrimination to sneak back into the workplace via AI," Allan said.
The proposed amendment comes amid fears of AI bias happening during recruitment, following previous research suggesting that AI used in hiring systems could end up being discriminatory against candidates.
According to the Victorian government, AI bias in hiring, promotion, and pay is one of the most consequential and least visible harms of the AI transition.
"AI resume-ranking tools can systematically disadvantage women and people from diverse backgrounds," it said in a media release.
"These systems must be used appropriately. Labor will ensure that whenever AI is used to make work decisions it is free from bias or discrimination."
Toughest workplace surveillance laws
Meanwhile, the Labor government is also proposing the introduction of the "toughest workplace surveillance protection laws" in the country.
The proposed legislation seeks to prevent the use of AI to monitor employees' movements and physical attributes, including bathroom breaks, limp, and pregnancy, without a specific purpose.
It also aims to ensure biometric data is only collected when no less intrusive option exists, and to ban the use of this data to read emotions without a legitimate reason.
Under the proposal, employers must inform workers if they're being monitored, adding that staff must be consulted before bringing in or changing surveillance tech at work.
"Covert surveillance will only be allowed where unlawful activity is suspected and will be strictly controlled," the government said.
The proposal comes after an inquiry by the Economy and Infrastructure Committee last year revealed regulations lagging behind growing surveillance in Victorian workplaces.
"Every worker has the right to know when, why and how they're being watched on the job – these laws make sure of it," said Industrial Relations Minister Jaclyn Symes.
"These laws put workers back in control of their own information."
The Finance Sector Union (FSU) in a statement welcomed Victoria's workplace surveillance laws, calling it a "huge win" for workers.
"We've been advocating for this for years through our AI campaign and our submission to Victoria's Workplace Surveillance Inquiry," the FSU said in a statement.
"AI should improve work, not monitor bathroom breaks, make biased decisions, or replace human judgement."
Labor's latest proposals arrive ahead of the November polls in Victoria, where the party is seeking a historic fourth term.
