Albanese Government Considers Ban on Smart Glasses in Commonwealth Offices

The Australian government is weighing a “world‑leading” prohibition on smart glasses in its public offices and service centres. Minister for Public Service Michaelia Cash has warned that camera‑equipped devices raise legitimate privacy and security concerns for Commonwealth‑run workplaces. The move follows a wave of local councils across Australia that have already barred the technology from public spaces, citing similar fears. While the federal government has not imposed a blanket import ban, it has urged individual agencies to establish their own policies regarding the use of smart glasses. The proposed ban would set a precedent for how governments manage emerging surveillance technologies in public settings.