Josh Butler
eSafety Lacks Power to Proactively Block Execution Livestream
The eSafety Commission has confirmed it “does not have powers to proactively prevent” the live-streaming of a scheduled US military execution, though it will monitor and enforce existing standards that could compel online platforms to block the content themselves.
The government stated yesterday that the looming execution of Nidal Hasan should not be shown to Australians, noting that platforms bear a “responsibility” to prevent its broadcast.
In an overnight statement, an eSafety Commission spokesperson said the regulator would monitor the situation closely.
double quotation markWhile eSafety does not have powers to proactively prevent a livestream from occurring online, online services have responsibilities under Australia’s online safety regulatory framework to protect users from harmful material.
As the regulator responsible for enforcing these obligations eSafety is in regular contact with online platforms and will continue to monitor the situation, considering any action as appropriate.
Live-Streamed Firing Squad Execution ‘Absolutely Disgusting’, Says Watt
Cabinet Minister Murray Watt has described a planned live-streamed execution in the United States as “extremely distressing” but stopped short of committing to legislative changes to prevent Australians from viewing it.
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman-Grant, has advised she lacks the authority to “proactively prevent” the stream scheduled for 3 December. Appearing on ABC News Breakfast, Watt said the government is attempting to take “as much action as we can” to address rapidly evolving technology.
double quotation markI just find the idea of a public streaming of a firing squad execution absolutely disgusting. When I first heard that was being proposed, I couldn’t believe that it was real. I think all Australians would agree that this is a very distressing thing to have publicised …
We’ve seen now that the eSafety Commissioner has said they don’t have those powers. I wouldn’t want to commit to any legislative change at this point in time, but what I do think it shows is this rapidly evolving situation that we’ve got with technology, which is why our government is trying to take as much action as we can, as quickly as we can.”
Ben Doherty
Greens Demand ‘Proper Regulations’ as Big Tech Accused of ‘Laughing All the Way to the Bank’
Sarah Hanson-Young is spearheading the Greens’ negotiations with the government over legislation designed to hold technology companies accountable for preventing harm to Australians, particularly children. The bill is expected to be tabled in parliament this week.
Hanson-Young, the Greens’ manager of business in the Senate, said the party would reserve judgment until the legislation’s details are revealed. However, she affirmed the Greens support the underlying imperative, telling the ABC’s 7.30 program that big tech companies had been “running amok for far too long and we want laws that will actually hold them to account”.
Hanson-Young added:
double quotation markPutting in place a duty of care on these big tech platforms is something that’s well and truly overdue.
And these big tech companies, social media platforms have been getting away with profiting off content that has been harmful, of technologies that have been designed to be deliberately addictive, even though they know the harm that that can do.
And they’ve just been laughing all the way to the bank. We need proper regulations on these tech companies.
Krishani Dhanji
The government is promoting pay rises for health, disability, and community service workers, while former Liberal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg continues a media tour promoting his new memoir, reigniting speculation about a potential return to parliament.
Greens at Odds Over Ukraine Weapons
The question of sending tanks, weapons, infantry, and ammunition to Ukraine has exposed divisions within the Greens.
Sarah Hanson-Young declared on Monday that she supported providing Kyiv with military aid if required, contradicting newly installed party leader David Shoebridge during his first sitting week. Shoebridge has maintained that Greens policy opposes military support in favour of humanitarian assistance only.
“If that’s the support that people need in order to defend themselves from the invasion of Russia, I think Australians need to support that,” Hanson-Young told ABC’s 7.30.
double quotation markWe always come from a position of wanting to de-escalate military violence … we want to see humanitarian support, we want to see diplomatic support, but of course you can’t allow people to be left fending for themselves.
Labor’s $630m Funding Boost for Charities
Sarah Basford Canales
Charities and not-for-profit organisations will receive a $630 million funding boost from the federal government following a Fair Work Commission decision awarding pay rises to health, disability, and community services workers.
The government said the funding would flow to 128,000 charities and not-for-profits across 92 government programs to cover the wage increases, which aim to address historic undervaluation in female-dominated sectors.
Finance Minister and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said:
double quotation markWe cannot close the gender pay gap without … addressing the historic undervaluation of work performed predominantly by women.
Australia’s gender pay gap is at a record low, and this is another significant step towards ensuring women are properly recognised and rewarded for their contribution.
This move is also a clear signal to the community that this workforce and the support they provide our community is important and valued.