HSR Conference 2025

 

As the implementation of AI and surveillance technology rapidly outpaces legislative efforts to control the rollout, how can Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) be better equipped to protect and advocate for their Designated Work Groups (DWGs)?

This year’s conference, REPS AGAINST THE MACHINE, explores the growing use of technology in the workplace under the guise of productivity, safety, and compliance—and what this means for workers’ health, safety, and rights.

 

  • 00:00:00 - Introduction
  • 00:02:04 - Welcome to Country: John Terrick
  • 00:06:36 - Session 1a: Wil Stracke, Minister Ben Carroll and Ashley West
  • 00:27:55 - Session 1a: Q&A
  • 00:43:34 - Session 1b: Davis Clayton
  • 01:07:00 - Session 1b: Professor Anthony Forsyth
  • 01:25:10 - Matt Toner: EGM Incolink
  • 01:58:35 - Session 2a: Matthew Rowe and Nicole McPherson
  • 02:23:08 - Session 2b: Rod De Young, Shannon Thorneycroft, Dave Thompson, Woolworths HSRs
  • 02:36:06 - Session 2b: Dr. Jake Goldenfein

Conference Tools

The Digital Work Systems Tool is designed to assist HSRs in consulting and negotiating with employers about existing or proposed digital work systems affecting their DWG members. This tool was developed with the assistance of the contributions of more than 1,000 HSRs at the 2025 HSR Conference.

Download the Digital Work Systems Tool here.

This checklist outlines key surveillance technologies commonly used in workplaces. Use it to audit your workplace, record your thoughts and whether anything needs to be followed up back at work.

Download the Workplace Technology Audit here.

Other Related Tools

VTHC Intrusive Workplace Surveillance and AI Liveshow featuring Matt Scherer from the Centre for Democracy and Technology.

Learn about the impacts of intrusive surveillance, what can HSRs do about it, and what changes the unions are calling for.

Watch the live show and download the presenter's slides here.

VTHC Standards are endorsed by our Executive and are designed to contribute to the state of knowledge around specific hazards with the goal to protect workers' health and safety and contribute to the improvement of occupational health and safety regulations. They put forward VTHC's position on what the maximum exposure to a specific hazard should be. They provide a resource for HSRs and workers to use when talking about exposure to a hazard and are not to be confused with Australian exposure standards.

Download the Digital Work Systems Standard here.