Home topics news Via Pixabay News News NSW union access bill triggers privacy fears across every business sector Yajush Gupta February 9, 2026 NSW legislation could grant union officials access to nearly every digital system businesses use. Industry leaders say the bill needs fundamental changes before Parliament votes. What’s happening: Ten major business organisations have issued a joint statement warning that NSW legislation would grant union officials digital access to workplace systems including emails, payroll, customer databases and financial records across every business in the state. Why this matters: The legislation arrives as businesses report compliance has become harder over the past year, with the bill introduced without regulatory impact statements or formal consultation with the small business sector it will affect most. A coalition of Australia’s peak business organisations has united to oppose NSW Government legislation they say will put sensitive personal data at risk and seriously undermine major projects across the state. The joint statement, issued by ten industry bodies including the Business Council of Australia, Australian Industry Group and Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, warns the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025 would grant union officials access to a wide range of workplace digital systems. The legislation would apply to every workplace in NSW, from small retailers and hospitality venues to construction sites, housing developments, hospitals, schools, manufacturers, miners and government agencies that hold large volumes of confidential personal data, according to the joint statement. Matthew Addison, Chair of the Council of