Defence backed claim that social media footage of public servants could invite bullying

The defence department backed a plan to limit sharing of Senate hearing footage. Emails released under freedom of information show the request was approved. Department secretary Meghan Quinn supported it. Deputy secretary Celia Perkins made the statement on 4 September. She said defence witnesses did not consent to their evidence being reposted. The committee rejected the request on the advice of the Senate clerk. Greens senator David Shoebridge objected at the time.

Perkins said edited clips had led to abusive comments about staff. She also raised fears about foreign intelligence threats. The plan was flagged with the offices of Richard Marles and Peter Khalil. Two other deputy secretaries also gave feedback. Quinn replied that she was very happy to support the wording. Defence says it has a duty to protect employees' health and safety. Critics say open hearings belong to the public.

Public servants give evidence in hearings the public pays for. Limiting how it is shared could make accountability harder.