Defence Department Chief Backed Senate Footage Social Media Ban Request Citing Bullying and Security Concerns

The secretary of Australia's Department of Defence approved a controversial proposal to request that Senate hearing footage of public servants not be shared on social media, citing risks of online bullying and national security concerns. Emails obtained by Guardian Australia under freedom of information show deputy secretary Celia Perkins planned to make the request to a parliamentary inquiry. The proposal was flagged with the offices of Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil, and received backing from department secretary Meghan Quinn. The move sparked criticism over transparency and public accountability. The request highlights tensions between protecting public servants from online abuse and maintaining open access to parliamentary proceedings in the digital age.