Sipko Security - Do You Need a Permit for CCTV in Victoria Here’s What You Should Know in Melbourne

Do You Need a Permit for CCTV in Victoria? Here’s What You Should Know

On a quiet weekday morning, Sarah, a small café owner in Brighton, Melbourne, opened her shop to find her back door slightly ajar and the till emptied. She had always thought her location was safe enough until it wasn’t. Within days, she installed a CCTV system. But one question kept nagging her: Am I even allowed to do this legally?

If you’ve ever considered installing security cameras around your home or business in Victoria, you’ve likely wondered the same thing. So, let’s break it down.

Is a Permit Required for CCTV in Victoria?

The short answer: no, you typically do not need a permit to install CCTV on your private property in Victoria whether it’s a home or business.

But there’s a catch: how and where you use your cameras can put you at risk of breaching privacy laws.

In Victoria, surveillance is primarily governed by:

  • The Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic)

  • The Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic)

  • Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) if you’re a business making over $3 million annually.

You are legally allowed to record on your property like your driveway, backyard, or shop front but pointing cameras toward public spaces, neighbours’ homes, or recording audio without consent can land you in trouble.

A 2022 Victorian Ombudsman report noted a rising number of disputes involving residential CCTV, particularly around privacy and nuisance complaints.

Residential vs Commercial Considerations

  • Homeowners: You don’t need council approval for standard CCTV setups. However, you should avoid filming neighbours’ yards or interiors through windows even unintentionally.

  • Businesses: If you’re in a customer-facing business (like retail or hospitality), you can use CCTV, but signage is essential. Under the Privacy Act, customers must be informed that they are being recorded.

In fact, according to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC), lack of clear signage and audio surveillance are the most common areas of non-compliance.

What About Audio Recording?

This is where things get tricky. The Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic) strictly prohibits the use of listening devices without all-party consent. That means CCTV systems that record audio could be illegal unless everyone being recorded has agreed to it.

So, if your system captures both video and audio, check the settings or consult a licensed installer.

The Safe Way to Stay Secure

Instead of risking legal headaches, work with local security experts who understand both technology and compliance.

Sipko Security helps homeowners and businesses across Brighton, Melbourne install CCTV and alarm systems that meet local and state regulations. Whether it’s a discreet setup for your home or a full system for your storefront, we ensure you’re covered legally and practically.

Final Tips for Legal CCTV Use in Victoria

✔️ Only film areas within your own property boundaries
✔️ Don’t record audio unless you have consent
✔️ Use clear signage for commercial CCTV systems
✔️ Don’t publish or share footage publicly without a legal basis
✔️ Consult a professional before installing complex or multi-camera setups

A Smarter, Safer Solution

Installing CCTV is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect what matters but only if you do it the right way. At Sipko Security, we stay ahead of changing laws so you don’t have to.

Need help installing CCTV in Brighton or surrounding Melbourne suburbs and want to make sure you’re fully compliant?

Why risk it, when you can secure it legally and professionally?