Australia’s top bureaucrats want to block sharing of clips from parliament on social media to save them from ‘ridicule’

Australia’s senior public servants have urged the government to restrict how video from parliamentary hearings can be shared online, citing concerns over misleading edits fueling ridicule and abuse. The proposal has sparked opposition from the Greens, who argue that such controls would undermine transparency by allowing bureaucrats to dictate how public proceedings are disseminated. The secretaries board, representing key government departments, claims edited footage is often posted without adequate context, raising fears of misrepresentation. Critics warn the move could set a precedent for limiting access to open parliamentary discussions.

Secretaries board concerned material posted without proper context as Greens warn ban could result in lack of transparencyGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe nation’s top bureaucrats want the Albanese government to ban video footage from parliamentary hearings being edited and shared on social media, in an extraordinary attempt to stop online ridicule and abuse. But the Greens say highly paid public service chiefs shouldn’t be allowed to control footage from open parliamentary hearings, warning the proposed controls would limit a key tool of government transparency.The secretaries board – made up of the heads of government departments and chaired by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet boss, Steven Kennedy – said they were concerned about material from hearings being presented online without proper context. Continue reading...