The union has contacted the council’s acting chief executive Peter Bertolus with concerns about cameras being fitted within public spaces inside council buildings at Cobram and Yarrawonga.

Australian Services Union lead organiser Billy King said he was made aware of the cameras at a recent members’ meeting and had asked the council to introduce a policy for their operation.

“The union is seeking a policy to govern the use of these cameras,” Mr King said.

“If there are any others installed we want to also discuss their use in relation to the Privacy Act and (Workplace) Surveillance Act.”

The installation of the cameras comes at a tense time at Moira Council.

The council returned to the Australian Services Union radar after governance issues were last month raised by former Local Government minister Jeanette Powell with Mr Bertolus and mayor Peter Mansfield.

The union failed to meet Local Government Victoria executive officer Nick Foa when he made a follow-up visit to Moira.

Mr King also confirmed another case in the Fair Work Commission involving a Moira employee.

The cameras have been installed at the council’s Cobram headquarters and at the Yarrawonga Town Hall.

Mr King said he had been told by council management the cameras were installed for security reasons.

He was told they could also be used to capture any incidence of computer hacking.

“What I hope won’t happen is they start monitoring and terminating people,” he said.

“They are good for security, but shouldn’t be used for other purposes.

“We’ve certainly asked some questions.”

The council was approached for comment late last week on the installation of the cameras.

Cr Mansfield said yesterday the cameras were in place for the safety of staff.

“There have been occasions when staff have had to deal with disgruntled ratepayers,” he said.

“It is all about OH&S.

“It has nothing to do with anything other than that.”