Google cancels parliamentary lobbying concert at last minute after YouTube ban

Global tech giant Google has cancelled a parliamentary concert featuring rock band The Rubens at the last minute after federal Labor announced YouTube would be added to Australia’s social media ban for under 16s.

Google, which owns YouTube, said it had decided to cancel the event hours before it was scheduled to start out of respect for the parents of children who died after being exposed to harmful material online.

An email sent by Google announcing the cancellation of their event at Parliament House.

The parents had appeared with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday morning to support his government’s decision to ban YouTube logins for children, though the site will still be accessible to people who access its website without signing in.

In an email seen by this masthead, Google confirmed the event would be cancelled.

“Out of respect for grieving families who have gathered in Parliament House today, we have decided to postpone the annual Google at Parliament House event,” the email said.

“We apologise for the late notice, and appreciate your understanding. We will be in touch with a new date as soon as possible.”

One source confirmed The Rubens, whose song Hoops topped the Triple J Hottest 100 in 2015, had to pack up their set halfway through getting ready for the concert.

Google’s event was scheduled to take place in the Great Hall of Parliament House in Canberra, the hiring of which typically requires months of notice and significant cost. The event is the public centrepiece of the tech giant’s considerable lobbying efforts in Australia.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said earlier that YouTube had used The Wiggles chief executive Kate Chiodo to lobby against the ban, as well as Google threatening to launch a lawsuit.

“For clarity, it was the black skivvies, Wiggles Inc, Wiggles management, not individual members of our cherished national icon The Wiggles,” Wells said on Wednesday.

Parents Mia Bannister (left), Robb Evans and Emma Mason with Communications Minister Anika Wells and Anthony Albanese at a press at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

The prime minister added: “We’re not here to sledge The Wiggles. Let’s be very clear, my government is pro-Wiggle.”

YouTube Kids will escape the social media ban, but the main platform will be included in the ban along with sites such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and Snapchat. The ban will start on December 10.

Mia Bannister, a mother whose son Ollie died at 14 after a battle with anorexia nervosa that she has said was fuelled by social media, spoke at the prime minister’s press conference on behalf of other parents in attendance.

“Thank you to the collective of individuals, charities and organisations who came together and sang from the same song sheet to make this legislation a reality,” Bannister said.

“It wasn’t the result of one voice but the power of many, united in purpose, driven by hope and committed to protecting our kids.”

Albanese revealed Australia would take its social media ban to New York to push world leaders to protect children online. The event is scheduled in September to coincide with a United Nations meeting.

“We will continue to advocate, this is our position, it is up to other nations what they do, but I know from the discussions I have had with other leaders, that they are looking at this,” Albanese said.

If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

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