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Russell Broadbent questions government on eSafety commissioner's powers and Social Media Minimum Age Bill

Russell Broadbent raised concerns about the eSafety Commissioner growing power and questioned the rushed process and lack of consultation in the Social Media Minimum Age Bill.

By news@gippsland - 25th November 2024 - Back to News

In Senate estimates recently, the eSafety Commissioner said that she has faced challenges as she continues to "test her powers". Well, it seems to me that she is testing just how much this government will bend to her drive for more and more power over the Australian people.

Russell Broadbent raises concerns and asks the minister, why the rush with just 24 hours for public submissions? Why exclude advice from key agencies in the Social Media Minimum Age Bill?

Social media scrutiny

So today, I have two questions for the Minister for Communications:

FIRST: Minister, the government held 9 roundtables with academics, child development experts, the digital industry and other stakeholders as part of their age assurance trial. But they only gave the public 24 hours to make submissions on the Social Media Minimum Age Bill. Why the rush?

SECOND: Minister, The Bill states that the Minister must seek advice from the unelected eSafety Commissioner before making legislative rules specifying an electronic service. But the Minister is not required to seek advice from other Commonwealth agencies.

If this legislation is truly about protecting the safety of children on social media platforms, why is the Minister not required to have regard to advice from the National Children's Commissioner, or the Human Rights Commissioner, or the Information Commissioner?

Pictures from Russell Broadbent MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com