Should govts archive social media posts?

I will be disappointed if social media posts managed or hosted by government and quasi-government bodies or funded community organizations are not archived and treated in the same way as any other communication for the purposes of accessibility.

Quasi-government bodies and entities include all those fulfilling a public role of any description, such as incorporated bodies with limited guarantee but without share portfolio.

It is a misguided but frequently expressed perception that such bodies are "Independent" simply on account of their incorporated legal structure.

Examples include:

Funded community bodies (for example Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre, Victoria) and other numerous government funded community entities);

Industry-specific complaints schemes (for example Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria);

Ministerial Councils (for example the Ministerial Council on Energy - MCE);

Incorporated policy-makers, such as Commissions; rule-makers and governance structures

(examples include:

 Australian Energy Market Commission - AEMC)

 Australian Energy Market Operator - AEMO)

Essential Services Commission Victoria (ESC) and similar regulatory bodies)

Australian Energy Regulator

The paper trail needs to be complete, transparent and accessible so that suggestions and comments made, or emails received can provide both prospective and retrospective guidance through which lessons may be learned.

Whilst I continue to have concerns about some social media platforms, including Facebook and the threats and risks posed to individuals and their privacy.

I am quite clear in my mind as a new stakeholder in government-managed and other social media fora needs to be taken seriously, referred to, classified and archived in a responsible and considered way - but not before such material is appropriately assessed and referred for action, especially where improvements to policy and legislation are suggested or problems with the same are identified.

In addition, it is crucial that agencies involved in social media citizen and other stakeholder engagement techniques should ensure that a reciprocal dialogue is established and at the very minimum reasons be provided if

a) moderation is effected

b) suggestions and comments are rejected for any reason

Also:

Progress of decisions and/or any appropriate referrals relating to suggestions and comments must be provided, at the very least the form of regular reports. However, mere referral to a responsible department or Minister may not be appropriate if these avenues have already been explored and found wanting.

In conclusion, social media communications such as tweets, blogs, emails and all other electronic communications should be retained, archived and responsibly managed.

Those wishing to receive further clarification of concerns please contact me at the email address below or on this site.

Regards

Madeleine Kingston

Australian Citizen Stakeholder

mkin2711@bigpond.net.au