2017-08-07
Turnbull's public service crackdown is straight from the Trump playbook: Bandt
Greens employment spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today slammed reports in The Australian that the Turnbull government will impose restrictions on public servants criticising his government on social media.
"There must have been a few paragraphs missing from the leaked Trump/Turnbull transcript, because this latest crackdown on the public service is straight from the Trump playbook," said Mr Bandt.
"If anyone challenges Trump, they get fired. Malcolm Turnbull, in his desperation to hang onto power, is trying to do the same.
"Holding public servants responsible for what others post on their page is the stuff of the thought police. Your job shouldn't be in danger because someone shares a post on your page about marriage equality or action on climate change and you don't delete it.
"This is a ruthless assault on freedom of speech that would make any demagogue proud.
"The Greens will be requesting more information on the implementation of this policy and will explore ways to ensure it is never enacted."
Media contact: Gideon Reisner, 0429 109 054