Government MPs using Signal, WhatsApp for official business, raising transparency concerns
Government ministers routinely use encrypted messaging apps including WhatsApp and Signal amid concerns they might be used to evade legitimate public scrutiny, state parliament has heard.
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Government ministers routinely use encrypted messaging apps including WhatsApp and Signal amid concerns they might be used to evade legitimate public scrutiny, state parliament has heard.
Members of the Trump administration brought the use of offshore third party messaging apps into focus after inadvertently adding a journalist to a chat group discussing in advance a strike on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Independent MP Craig Garland asked the Premier Jeremy Rockliff whether such apps were in use by elected officials in Tasmania — and what steps were taken to ensure document retention requirements under laws such as the Right to Information and Archives Acts were being met.
“We know the American government is using it – or misusing it,” he said.
“Premier, I can attest that your ministers’ advisers prefer communicating via these encrypted apps as well.
“This practice has the potential to restrict the public’s right to information about government decisions and reasons, for all the reasons raised by the Information Commissioner.”
The Australian Information Commissioner last month called on Australian Government agencies to improve information governance to ensure they meet legislative obligations when using messaging apps.
“Messaging apps raise novel considerations for key pillars of our democratic system of government, including transparency and accountability, Australian Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd said.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said government MPs used a range of apps.
“We communicate by text, WhatsApp, and Signal as well,” he said. “It is a good way of communicating.”
“I am not sure where the question is leading, but as I see it there is certainly nothing untoward about communicating between members of parliament.
“The most effective method of doing that, the easiest method usually, is WhatsApp, from my
understanding. I am not massive on all this stuff.”
Mr Rockliff said he would make further inquiries.
“I will seek some clarification from you about exactly what you required in terms of the
information that you seek around policies and procedures.
“Really, the communication that we
make across this Chamber is one that is efficient and one that I would hope to lead to better
outcomes for the Tasmanian people.
“I will seek some further advice for you and get back to you.”
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