Bunnings’ Trial of Facial Recognition Technology – Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) Determination

Keeping our team, customers and suppliers safe in and around our stores is our number one priority.

Between November 2018 and November 2021, we trialled the use of facial recognition technology (FRT) in 63 stores across Victoria and New South Wales with the sole and clear intent of keeping our team and customers safe and preventing unlawful activity by repeat offenders.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has released its Determination of our use of FRT.

We will now seek a review of OAIC’s Determination before the Administrative Review Tribunal.

Why did we use this technology?

Everyone deserves to feel safe at work. No one should have to come to work and face verbal abuse, threats, physical violence or have weapons pulled on them.

But the sad reality is that retail crime is on the rise. We’ve seen abusive and threatening encounters in our stores increase by 50 per cent last year alone.

FRT was an important and proven tool for helping to keep our team and customers safe from repeat offenders who had previously caused harm or committed unlawful activity in our stores.

How did it work?

Where and when did we trial the technology?

Facial Recognition Technology Store List PDF

Queries or questions?

Contact us through our dedicated inbox: frt@bunnings.com.au