Queensland’s local government sector is calling for cool heads to prevail in the wake of today’s unprecedented action by Facebook, which saw its Australian users banned from sharing news content.
Non-news accounts were caught up in the social media giant’s ban, which comes after months of wrangling with the Commonwealth over its proposed media bargaining code.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO, Greg Hallam AM, says the Federal Government’s stand-off with the social media giant must be swiftly resolved.
“Some Queensland councils, and many of the state’s key community service providers – in areas such as health, transport, law enforcement and weather, had their content taken down without warning or explanation,” Mr Hallam said.
“We are in the midst of a global pandemic and readying for the national rollout of the Coronavirus vaccine – and, closer to home, in a very active storm and cyclone season – and I hate to think of the potential consequences of any further news blackouts.
“Facebook isn’t the sole social media channel used by our member councils but it is very widely used in the community.
“We urge both parties to make full restoration of, and ongoing access to, vital community information their number one priority.”
For more information, please contact:
Tim Cox, Communications Advisor
Local Government Association of Queensland