Parliamentary Procedure

Broadcast Use on Social Media Platforms

The SPEAKER (15:42): Before I call the Minister for Transport, I rise to make a short statement regarding the use of broadcast media on social media platforms. Members, following a number of queries and complaints being raised with me recently concerning broadcast material of parliamentary proceedings appearing on social media platforms, I take this opportunity to remind those users of social media who republish or broadcast proceedings of parliament, or excerpts thereof, of the terms and conditions that apply.

However, before referring to the terms and conditions, I would like to say that the various social media platforms that are available today offer a unique opportunity to share news and information about the work of the parliament. The House of Assembly's Facebook page is an obvious example. However, while the level of engagement in social media is such that it cannot be ignored, it is important that social media users who participate in or comment on parliamentary proceedings are clear about the rules and how they will be applied.

With respect to the broadcasts and rebroadcasts of proceedings and excerpts of the proceedings of the House of Assembly, I draw the attention of social media users commenting on parliamentary proceedings to House of Assembly standing order 400, which refers to the terms and conditions that relate to the transmission and broadcast of proceedings or excerpts thereof. In referring to these terms and conditions, social media users are advised that the use of broadcast material in contravention of the terms and conditions imposed by the House of Assembly via the standing orders may constitute a contempt of parliament.

The beauty of social media is that it can instantly bring parliament to a much larger audience than other forms of communication. It also facilitates engagement with sections of the community who might not otherwise be interested in the institution of parliament and its central role in South Australia's system of representative democracy. The importance of social media for popular engagement with parliament suggests that it should not be discouraged nor restricted from its use. These terms and conditions do not in any way restrict the use of social media commenting on parliamentary proceedings. I ask members and their staff to take these matters on board.