Thank you, Chair. Is the department aware of an open letter that has been signed by public servants condemning Australian government ‘complicity in Palestinian genocide’?
CHAIR: Senator Sharma.
Senator SHARMA: Thank you, Chair. Is the department aware of an open letter that has been signed by public servants condemning Australian government ‘complicity in Palestinian genocide’?
Ms Adams : We are aware of the issue.
Senator SHARMA: Can you confirm that a number of DFAT employees have signed that letter or attached their name to the petition?
Ms Casson : We are aware of the open letter. We also are aware two individuals have identified themselves as being officers of DFAT.
Senator SHARMA: Two so far. I think there are a couple of thousand signatories, but they are not all federal public servants. Do you believe attaching your name to a public document like this, criticising the government’s policy, is consistent with the APS values and the code of conduct?
Ms Casson : Having become aware of the petition online last week, we are having a look at those issues. At the moment, what I can say is that the department did take some action on Friday afternoon to provide some reminders to staff of obligations under the code of conduct and the APS values relating to impartiality.
Senator SHARMA: Did that advice counsel them against attaching their names to open letters of this nature?
Ms Casson : We certainly reminded staff in general terms of their obligations as public servants, particularly of the need to remain impartial. What we have identified in the advice, which is consistent with Australian Public Service Commission social media guidance, is that online activity can breach the code of conduct if, in making public comment, an individual could be linked to their employment as a DFAT or Commonwealth government employee.
Senator SHARMA: Thank you. My understanding is that there are more than two who have signed their names to this letter. But I’ll put the remaining questions on notice. Thank you.