By Salma El-Sakka
Defence department secretary Meghan Quinn supported a senior official's request to a Senate hearing that footage of public servants giving evidence not be shared on social media, citing risks of online bullying and national security concerns.
Emails reveal internal backing
Emails obtained by Guardian Australia under freedom of information show deputy secretary Celia Perkins' planned request was flagged with the offices of Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil, and received Quinn's backing.
Controversial statement to committee
On 4 September, Perkins told a parliamentary inquiry that defence witnesses "do not consent to the reposting of our evidence to social media sites." She cited a submission from the Australian Public Service secretaries board warning that edited videos from previous hearings had generated distressing personal commentary and invited ridicule and abuse.
Senator objects, committee rejects request
Greens senator David Shoebridge immediately objected, stating witnesses in an open public hearing cannot censor what the public sees. The committee rejected Perkins' request on the advice of the Senate clerk.
Bullying and security cited as defensible reasons
Newly revealed correspondence shows concerns about online bullying and national security were used as a "defensible" rationale. Perkins emailed colleagues on 2 September that she had discussed the plan with Khalil and staff from Marles' office, and that Quinn was fully supportive.
Earlier emails outline safety concerns
On 25 August, Perkins told Quinn that publishing evidence online could endanger officials, noting senior leaders discourage security clearance holders from identifiable social media presence. Quinn replied: "Very happy to support you using such words."
Colleagues approve wording
Perkins sought feedback from deputy secretaries John Reid and Cath Patterson on 2 September. Both approved the wording, with Reid suggesting minor changes that were incorporated into the statement read at the committee.
Ministerial offices decline comment
The offices of Marles and Khalil did not provide on-record responses. A Defence spokesperson pointed to Quinn's opening statement at Senate estimates on Thursday, in which she supported the secretaries board submission and argued that treatment of staff after hearings could conflict with an employer's duty of care.
