Guidelines to surveillance and privacy in the Victorian public sector

The Victorian Government’s goal is to prevent crime and keep communities safe by addressing the root causes of offending.

A joined-up approach to support people and communities in need

Collaboration across government, key organisations and with communities is the best way to provide individuals with the right supports to address the risk factors for offending and strengthen social recovery outcomes.

Working with the community across three action areas

The Strategy will support effective, collaborative efforts to improve outcomes for individuals and communities in Victoria across three interconnected action areas.

Measuring the impact of our efforts to prevent crime

We will monitor and evaluate our progress in addressing risk factors for offending across the Victorian Government.

Action Area 1: Empower and invest in communities to implement local solutions

Empower and invest in communities to implement local solutions.

Action Area 2: Enhance and connect support for people in need

Enhance and connect support for people and communities in need.

Action Area 3: Evidence and impact for effective and innovative approaches

Evidence and impact for effective and innovative approaches.

How the Strategy was developed

The Crime Prevention Strategy has been developed through a whole-of-community and government effort.

These 2017 guidelines, published by the Commissioner for Privacy and Data Protection, outline best-practice principles for responsible use of surveillance technologies while respecting individuals’ right to privacy. This is important information for councils considering or operating Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems.

This information applies to government organisations that are bound by the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic). In some cases, organisations will also have obligations under other legislation in relation to surveillance.

The Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (External link) (Schedule 1) contains 10 Information Privacy Principles (IPPs). With limited exemptions, all Victorian Government organisations, contracted service providers and local councils must comply with these principles.

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