Select Committee on Social Media and Online Safety commences public hearings

THE House of Representatives Select Committee on Social Media and Online Safety began its public hearings on December 21-22, 2021.

Committee Chair Lucy Wicks MP said the hearings presented an opportunity for the committee to hear from a wide range of interested parties on matters relating to social media and online safety, with the focus in the initial hearings being on groups who can share their experiences of online harms.

"Online safety is a significant issue for a range of groups and individuals across the Australian community, and the committee will hear evidence from a variety of witnesses," Ms Wicks said.

Witnesses across the two days included advocates for children’s safety, including the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, the Alannah and Madeline Foundation and the Carly Ryan Foundation. The committee will also hear from representatives of minority groups, faith organisations and the Let Her Speak campaign. Programs for hearings can be found on the Committee’s website.

Public hearings are anticipated to continue in January 2022, with further dates to be advised soon. The closing date for submissions is January 12, 2022. The Committee’s findings from hearings and submissions will be contained in its report, to be tabled in the Parliament by February 15, 2022.

 

ends