North Sydney Council says the proposed policy is based upon the model social media policy from the Office of Local Government. The council was “committed to engaging with its community on official social media profiles in a way that optimises engagement but manages risk”.
Councillor MaryAnn Beregi supported exhibition of the draft document, saying she had no issue with a social media policy and any changes could be debated later.
“In this day and age, where we have seen defamation actions against people in social media, which has been used for political purposes, I think it is the right way to move,” she said.
“I have no interest in administering a Facebook page or whatever, but if you do, it doesn’t stop you from doing it, it just requires you to adhere to the Code of Conduct which we have to do in the course of our roles anyway.”
Those comments preceded a fiery exchange between Gibson and Baker, who told Gibson to turn off her microphone and “close your mouth”, before withdrawing and apologising. “Don’t speak to me like that,” Gibson replied. “Do not tell me to shut my mouth.”
Baker told the Herald the new policy was “absolutely not” directed at Gibson, and it would be on exhibition until September 8, meaning the new council would decide whether to adopt it or not.
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Gibson said she would not abide by the policy if re-elected. “I will not have North Sydney Council dictate to me what I can do in my private life,” she said.
At the same July 22 council meeting, councillors resolved to start legal proceedings against Brewster Hjorth Architects over design services for the controversial North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment, which has suffered from multiple budget blowouts and delays.
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