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APC Commissioner dismisses article on social media guidance

Australian Public Service Commissioner John Lloyd has dismissed a recent article in the Australian on revised social media guidance saying it misrepresents the APCs position.

The social media guidance documents released by the APC today amplify existing guidance on the appropriate use of social media by employees.

“In general, APS employees must not make public comment that may lead a reasonable person to conclude that they cannot serve the government of the day impartially and professionally.” – Employee social media guide.

Lloyd said “The use of social media by employees requires discretion and judgement.

“For this reason it is important that all employers, including those in the APS, ensure their employees clearly understand the expectations of their behaviour when they use social media.”

The Commission consulted extensively with public service agencies and employees in late 2016 and it was indicated that policy did not need to change, but that current obligations were not well understood by employees.

“It is not more restrictive than previous guidance. Rather, it clarifies the parameters around what public servants can and cannot say, and should give greater confidence to APS employees when they are participating online activity,” Lloyd said.


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