New polling shows the NSW Government’s Digital Work Systems Bill flies in the face of community expectations, with voters raising strong concerns about data security, union access to sensitive IT systems, and the absence of independent oversight.
Polling conducted by CT Group of 1021 NSW voters shows that:
- Three-quarters of respondents (75 per cent) say they are concerned about data breaches and personal information being accessed or exposed
- Just 5 per cent of respondents say unions should investigate workplace technology, compared with 61 per cent who believe this role should sit with government workplace safety regulators
- 66 per cent support requiring court approval before union access to digital work systems
- No majority is comfortable with union access to ANY digital work system, with just 16 per cent comfortable with access to “customer or client databases” and just 23 per cent comfortable with access to internal emails
- 44 per cent of people say this bill will have a negative impact on jobs and investment in New South Wales
Business Council Chief Executive Bran Black said the polling confirms the Bill, as drafted, lacks a clear public mandate and raises serious concerns for workers and businesses alike.
“NSW workers expect their personal data and private communications to be protected, not exposed to union organisations who have a track record of abusing their access powers,” Mr Black said.
“When three-quarters of voters are worried about data breaches, that should be a red flag for the Government.
“Only five per cent of people trust unions to police workplace technology, which is no surprise given the detailed allegations of criminal behaviour by unions like the CFMEU, yet this Bill hands them even more power.”
Mr Black said strong support for court oversight reflects the basic expectations of fairness and due process.
“Two-thirds of NSW voters want a judge involved before unions can access payroll systems, HR files or internal emails, and that is simply common sense given the risks and confidential information involved.”
Mr Black said the data also undermines claims that expanded union access is necessary to regulate workplace technology.
“Only five per cent of voters think unions should be responsible for investigating workplace technology.
“NSW workers overwhelmingly trust government regulators over unions to do that job, and the Bill ignores this reality.”
Mr Black warned the legislation risks undermining confidence in NSW as a place to invest, innovate and create jobs.
“This Bill is a job and investment killer because it creates unnecessary data security risks for businesses, workers and government agencies alike—making other states suddenly look much more attractive to investors.”
“If the Government is serious about protecting workers while supporting investment and innovation, the legislation at the very least requires substantial amendment with guardrails put in place.”
Polling methodology
The research was conducted by CT Group among 1,021 NSW workers and voters, weighted to be representative by age, gender, education, income, union membership and vote, with fieldwork conducted from 6–9 February 2026 and a margin of error of ±3.1 per cent.