Australian members of the Electoral Council of Australia and New Zealand (ECANZ) have signed a joint referral protocol with the eSafety Commissioner in an effort to create a safer work environment for election staff. The protocol creates a pathway for requesting assistance in removing serious and harmful online material targeting election workers.
In recognition of an increasingly complex online environment, the referral protocol represents a united front from electoral commissions in Australia and a commitment to work closely with eSafety to take action to protect election staff from online harm.
The arrangement will allow federal, state and territory electoral commissions in Australia to refer incidents involving adult cyber abuse or the sharing of illegal or restricted content related to a staff member to eSafety for urgent review and investigation.
ECANZ Chair, Mick Sherry thanked eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant for her support and acknowledged the importance of eSafety’s role.
‘While free speech and robust debate are part of the democratic process, online abuse aimed at harassing, threatening or endangering our staff will not be tolerated,’ Mr Sherry said.
‘The safety and wellbeing of our election workforces is of paramount importance. Without our staff, we would not be able to deliver elections. In an increasingly complex environment, ECANZ members are committed to implementing measures that increase staff safety and minimise harm. Strong relationships and support from Australia’s independent regulator for online safety will further this goal.
‘Our partnership with eSafety is aimed at protecting our staff, who work tirelessly to deliver democracy across Australia. Election staff have a right to be safe from harm at work.’
Ms Inman Grant said eSafety has unique, world-first powers to support Australians experiencing serious adult cyber abuse and its impacts.
‘Vibrant, vigorous debate is the lifeblood of our modern democratic society and must be encouraged. But our right to express a political viewpoint or dissent does not trump a person’s right to live free from online harassment, hate and abuse, especially when that individual is performing a vital function in aid of free and fair elections,’ Ms Inman Grant said.
‘eSafety is here as a safety net for Australians who are the target of serious online abuse when platforms fail to act. Every day, we work hard to provide rapid, compassionate, citizen-centric service to Australians caught in the crosshairs of unbridled vitriol and abuse.
‘I encourage any Australian who needs support to visit eSafety.gov.au for resources, advice and guidance on how to report serious online abuse.’
Media enquiries contact:
For Mick Sherry: ecanz.secretariat@aec.gov.au
For Julie Inman Grant: 0439 519 684 or media@esafety.gov.au