Norwood, Payneham & St Peters councillors must not tweet when ‘tired or emotional’, new policy states

An Adelaide metro council has introduced a new social media policy that bans elected members from using social media while drunk or tired. VOTE IN OUR POLL.

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Norwood, Payneham & St Peters council has introduced a new policy preventing

elected members from using social media when drunk, tired or angry and from “disparaging” the council and council decisions.

The code, adopted by Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Council last month, says elected members must not use social media platforms when “inebriated, irritated, upset or tired”.

The code applies to councillors who are authorised to post through the council’s official social media accounts but also covers the use of personal social media accounts where they were being used for council business or to publish information related to the council or its business.

Councillors, the code says, must “avoid expressing personal opinions in relation to council decisions or council business” and only comment on matters “within your areas of expertise”.

Councillors should not make “disparaging or critical comments in relation to council decisions or council business” and must also seek permission from the general manager of governance and community affairs before opening a new social media account.

At a council meeting on September 2, Cr Christel Mex expressed concerns the policy would “severely” restrict elected members from speaking freely.

“The policy severely restricts elected members from critical commentary,” Cr Mex said after the meeting.

“(Council staff say) it is not the intent to gag elected members, but I stress it is not the intent that matters, it is the actual effect.”

She said it was “inconsistent” that elected members could make important decisions when meeting late at night but not use social media when tired.

She also said elected members should be free to disagree with council decisions.

“A councillor may also leaflet the ward with (opinions),” Cr Mex said.

“A councillor can also speak to the print media and radio about it.”

She called for a review of the policy, suggesting a line be added making it clear that a councillor’s private views were not necessarily reflective of the council’s position.

Fellow councillor Sue Whitington backed the policy, telling the meeting it would help guard against “inappropriate actions”.

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“Elected members can still relay their opinions forcefully and candidly to their community through the use of social media, without causing illegal issues,” Cr Whitington said.

Mayor Robert Bria also spoke in favour of the policy, saying councillors could not “say and do everything” they wanted.

The council’s general manager of governance and community affairs, Lisa Mara, said while elected members were required to abide by council decisions, they were free to disagree with them on social media.

“It’s the manner in which you convey that personal opinion,” Ms Mara said.

The council agreed to have staff review the policy and report back to the council.