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Friends in need, friends indeed It’s not hardware or software that has generated the most techno fuss among local politicians, it’s having them on social media, says ELERI HARRIS ACT Labor’s Andrew Barr caused a public furor recently by using his Facebook account to state his opinions on innercity planning, not entirely crazy since he is the Minister for Planning. The ensuing controversy has generated an important question – where is the line between personal and public comment and should politicians limit their online expression? “The Assembly has come forward technologically in this term, influenced by younger members and Steve Doszpot, who has a background in IT,” Speaker of the ACT Legislative Assembly and Green Shane Rattenbury said. Only this term has video footage, live and recorded, of Assembly business been made available online. Rattenbury is the first speaker to allow members to bring their laptops on the floor of the chamber, though they are still not allowed to use Skype or iphones. But, like in many jurisdic-
tions, it is not hardware or software that has generated the most techno fuss in Canberra, it is social media. The youngest member of the Legislative Assembly, 26 yearold Liberal Alistair Coe, said Canberra’s politicians should only say online what they would be comfortable saying to traditional news media. “With regard to his [Barr’s] remarks, it seems some people treat social media like it’s a different ball game, all bets are off, but for traditional media there are rules,” Coe told “CityNews”. “I think Andrew is very well aware of that and he did that as a way of bypassing effective media channels. “They’re not necessarily the things you would hear him say in traditional media.” Barr disagreed, arguing he would be happy to make these comments elsewhere. “I think I’m reasonably wellknown for being feisty and to the point, I say these things in
the chamber,” Barr insisted. “I know everything you say on Facebook is on the public record, I’m letting people know where I stand on issues. I advocate for particular causes – I’m not an umpire. “I have found comments amusing that its inappropriate for a minister to be using Facebook. I imagine similar accusations were thrown around regarding politicians using television in the 1950s.” With a similarly sized online presence to Barr, Coe said he supported politicians using social media and that individualised messages may be “better received” that the same content
through traditional media. “I think the ACT being the way it is and being so small and everyone knowing everyone, it does mean people expect a higher level of personalisation of politics and higher level of personality. “Social media give an opportunity to display a little bit more of their [politicians’] character in a format where they have more control than in traditional media, earned or paid.” But the key appeal of social media to Territory politicians appears to be the increasing ease of personal communication with constituents, which is
where controversial opinions come into play. “My preference is to try and use it both ways,” Barr said. “I think it’s a really effective and practical way of engaging with my constituency. You know, Molongolo has one of the highest rates of Internet connection in the country? “I’m finding increasingly the case that Gen X and Y are getting more information from online than traditional news media. They don’t read papers and they don’t watch TV. “They want a more interactive discussion than the traditional media offers.” Rattenbury said it was important for government to keep up with citizens in communications. “We have to keep evolving to keep up with the community,” he said. “I think social media is really exciting, it provides us with new channels to talk and engage with the community. “Most people won’t sit down and write a detailed inquiry submission, but will comment on Facebook. “The challenge is with more and more channels for communication, there are still only 24 hours in a day.”
Trip to Taronga
Zoo time: win a family treat ELECTRICAL retailer Bing Lee is celebrating its sponsorship of the giraffes at Taronga Zoo – and one lucky Canberra family will be invited to attend an exclusive family day on November 7. Bing Lee has asked “CityNews” to help find a local family of up to two adult parents and up to five children that could really do with a break and benefit from a full day of family fun. We are asking “CityNews” readers if they know a family that has been stretching themselves lately and would benefit from an exclusive “money-can’t-buy” experience at Taronga Zoo? If so, we’d like to see them nominated for Bing Lee’s Exclusive Family Day at the zoo by logging on to citynews.com. au/win, and in 50 words or less, and tell us why you believe your nominated family deserves a special day at Taronga. The prize includes free entrance to the zoo, catered breakfast overlooking Sydney Harbour, exclusive opportunity to feed the giraffes with a professional family photograph, transport to and from Sydney and an overnight stay in Sydney. Enter and see full conditions by logging on to www.citynews. com.au/win
Frocktober takes a big bow FROCKTOBER has been a hit in the ACT – and, according to Frocktober president Dr Lisa Mounsey, “the groups fundraising for Frocktober in Canberra are some of the most committed and hard working of our Frock Fringe Groups.” Aimed at raising funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation to seek an early detection test for the disease, Frocktober began in Geelong in 2007, and since then has expanded beyond the Victorian borders. “The ACT fundraisers are part of what’s called the ‘Frock Fringe’: Groups that raise money for Frocktober, which Frocktober Inc supports through our official operations,” Lisa explains. “Frocktober has really taken off in the ACT and all around Australia this year, and we’re really proud that the cause of Frocktober is reso-
INDEX
October 28-November 3, 2010 Since 1993: Volume 16, Number 43
Arts&Entertainment Cinema Crossword Dining Fashion Health&Fitness Home Horoscope Letters News Politics Property Social Scene Sudoku
35-39 36 45 39 43 41 44 45 8 3-13 10 46-59 15-16 45
FRONT COVER: ACT’s young businesswoman of the year, Carly-Jane Tozer. Story Page 7. Photo by Silas
nating with women and men across Australia. “Frocktober is all about increasing the public’s awareness of ovarian cancer, promoting women’s health and well being and celebrating the great diversity of shapes, sizes and colours women come in.” According to the OCRF, one woman dies every 10 hours from ovarian cancer in Australia, and for many, the disease is advanced when it’s diagnosed: hence the need for an early detection test. “CityNews” will auction the teal green dress donated by Enchante, in Civic, which was worn by Canberra celebrities to promote Frocktober earlier this month, to raise funds for Frocktober. To donate, visit http://www.everydayhero.com. au/city_news; to bid for the dress, visit http://bit. ly/cityfrock and for more information on Frocktober visit www.frocktober.org
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Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Political reporter: Eleri Harris, 0414 618493 eleri@citynews.com.au Lifestyle editor: Megan Haggan, 6262 9100 lifestyle@citynews.com.au Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764 helen@citynews.com.au Design and photography: Silas Brown, 0412 718086 Graphic designer: Louise Brooks, 6262 9100 Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au Distribution and circulation: Richard Watson, 6262 9100 circulation@citynews.com.au
Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, of Suite 1, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.
CityNews October 28-November 3