Can I record a meeting with my boss or employee?

You should not voice record unless you have clear reasons for doing so. Likewise if you are an employer intending to record a conversation with an employee.

The Privacy Act usually only applies to the actions of an agency, rather than the actions of an individual in connection with their domestic or personal affairs. This means that employers are likely to have different Privacy Act obligations than employees. 

A recorded conversation will contain far more detail than simply taking notes of a conversation. Generally, it is best to voice record a meeting with consent, so that both sides have an accurate record of what occurred. It is more difficult to justify covert tape recording under the Privacy Act since there is a strong presumption that it is unfair - unless there is a compelling reason that justified collecting personal information by recording. Employers and employees should seek legal advice before using covert recording.

You should also keep in mind that if you do make a recording and you are acting on behalf of an agency instead of in your personal or domestic affairs, participants in the recording will be entitled to request a copy of the recording.

Updated October 2025