I don’t think much has really changed since I wrote an article about surveillance entitled Sharp Focus or Blunt Instrument on this site in 2014. This article discussed the potential for harm from video surveillance of personal injury and workers compensation claimants. There has been some publicity about the negative effects of surveillance on people with mental health claims, particularly in NSW, but nothing much happening in this space in Tasmania.

A recent ABC article I was a private investigator for insurance companies really brought the issue into focus again, with a credible source from within the industry reinforcing what some people already realise – that the practice is potentially very harmful, is often undertaken at the whim of a junior insurance company claims officer and is mostly a waste of time and resources.

I think there is a place for surveillance in very limited circumstances, but a decision to film an unsuspecting person and intrude of their privacy (and often those around them too) should only be undertaken for a very good reason. As I have previously stated, I think an independent responsible person, who can properly assess the risks and benefits should authorise any planned surveillance.

COVERT SURVEILLANCE SHOULD REQUIRE A COURT ORDER!