Is it legal to record calls in Australia?

In Australia, the legality of recording phone calls varies by state and territory, and it generally hinges on consent requirements and the purpose of the recording.

1. Consent Requirements: In most Australian states and territories, you need the consent of all parties involved to lawfully record a private conversation. However, there are some variations:
   • In Queensland, one-party consent is sufficient. This means if you are a party to the conversation, you can legally record it without needing the consent of the other parties.
   • In New South Wales, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory, recording is legal without the consent of all parties if the recorder is a party to the conversation and the recording is reasonably necessary for the protection of their lawful interests, or if the recording is not for the purpose of communication or publication to non-parties.
   • In Victoria and the Northern Territory, it’s legal to record a private conversation if you are a party to it, without needing the consent of the other parties. But, in Victoria, you must not share the recording without the consent of all parties.
   • In South Australia and Western Australia, it’s generally illegal to record a private conversation without consent from all parties, even if you’re a part of the conversation. Exceptions may apply if the recording is in the public interest or to protect the lawful interests of one party.
2. Public Interest and Lawful Interests: There are exceptions to the consent requirements in some states for recordings made in the public interest or for the protection of one’s own lawful interests. For instance, in Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, public interest exemptions exist.
3. Use in Legal Proceedings: Even if a recording is obtained without proper consent or in contravention of law, it might still be admissible in legal proceedings. The courts have discretion to allow such evidence if the desirability of admitting it outweighs the undesirability of admitting evidence obtained in that manner.
4. Penalties for Illegal Recording: Recording conversations without adhering to these laws can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment, varying by jurisdiction.
5. Workplace Recordings: Secretly recording conversations at work can be considered serious misconduct and grounds for termination. It’s advisable to consult with an employment law specialist before recording conversations in the workplace, especially if done covertly.

Given the complexity and variation in laws across different regions, it’s important to be fully aware of the specific laws in your state or territory if you’re considering recording a phone call in Australia​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Sources

• Mondaq: Is it legal to record a phone call in Australia?
• Sydney Criminal Lawyers: Is it legal to record a phone call in Australia?
• Who: Can You Record Your Phone Conversations In Australia?
• Lawpath: Is it Legal to Record a Phone Call?
• Privacy 108: Support: Voice Recording Laws: Is It Legal to Record a Conversation in Australia? and  More on recording conversations in Australia: What is allowed?