Defence backed claim that social media footage of public servants could invite bullying
Summary
Emails obtained by Guardian Australia show that Defence Secretary Meghan Quinn backed Deputy Secretary Celia Perkins’ plan to ask a Senate committee not to share edited clips of public servants’ testimony on social media. Perkins cited concerns about bullying and security risks, but the committee rejected the request after advice from the Senate clerk.Key Facts
- Perkins made the request during a 4 September Senate committee hearing.
- Perkins said edited or out-of-context clips could lead to personal abuse and ridicule of staff.
- She also warned that online posts could increase risks from cyber and foreign intelligence actors.
- Emails show Perkins said Quinn and Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil supported her plan.
- The offices of Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Khalil were informed about the proposal, but neither gave an on-record response to the newspaper.
- Greens senator David Shoebridge objected that the hearing was public and witnesses could not censor what Australians saw.
- The committee rejected Perkins’ request on the Senate clerk’s advice.
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