Parliament House Matters

Parliament House Broadcast

The SPEAKER (11:01): Before I call Mr Clerk, I wish to make a statement about digital manipulation of broadcast material. The broadcast of the proceedings of the Parliament of South Australia is made available to provide greater access to the legislature. Unfortunately, it has been brought to my attention that isolated instances exist of the broadcast material of the proceedings of the House of Assembly having been digitally manipulated and subsequently rebroadcast.

The standing orders that govern the broadcast and rebroadcast of the proceedings of the House of Assembly, together with the conditions surrounding access to the live streaming of proceedings on the parliament's website, both have the condition of use that the broadcast material shall not be digitally manipulated.

I draw to the attention of those people and organisations who rebroadcast the proceedings and excerpts of proceedings of the house that standing orders outline various penalties for noncompliance with these rules and the directions of the Speaker. Further, any violation of the terms and conditions that govern the use of the broadcast material may constitute a breach of parliamentary rules and may also be a contempt of parliament.

Since the inception in late 2017 of the live stream broadcast, it is encouraging to see the viewer uptake and the general adherence to the terms and conditions of use. While I am extremely reluctant to impose penalties on people's access to the broadcast material, if breaches continue of the conditions of use this demonstrates a wilful disregard for the standing orders and current policies, which is not tolerable, and therefore I will have no option but to act.