On 17 September 2026, multiple independent outlets reported that Katy Gallagher, who holds the Finance, Public Service, Women and Government Services portfolios, had asked the Australian Public Service Commission for advice on the use of smart glasses across Commonwealth workplaces, including whether the devices should be prohibited and what exemptions might be appropriate. Reuters reported that Australia is considering barring camera-equipped smart glasses in government workplaces on privacy and security grounds, in what the government said could be the first ban of its kind. Gallagher's statement to media, quoted identically by Reuters, Bloomberg, the ABC and others, said smart glasses can raise legitimate privacy and security concerns because of their ability to record and capture information, and that clear and consistent guidance is needed for public servants. She also said the APS should set the standard as a "model employer" and that Commonwealth workplace policies need to keep pace with technology. The announcement came alongside a wider AI package, including a planned roundtable with large employers such as Microsoft, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra and AGL on workplace AI guidelines. Coverage consistently describes the measure as under consideration. Digital Trends stated explicitly that no federal workplace ban has been finalised. As of 30 September 2026, no search returned any announcement that the ban has been decided, made or come into effect.

The scope described in the reporting is camera-equipped or recording-capable smart glasses as a device category, not one manufacturer's product. The Canberra Times noted growing adoption driven by cheaper versions sold by retailers such as Kmart.