Catryna Bilyk (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before moving general business notice of motion 440, I wish to inform the chamber that Senator Polley will also sponsor it. I, and also on behalf of Senator Polley, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that yesterday, 11 February 2020, was Safer Internet Day (SID), an annual, worldwide event to promote a safer and better internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively;

(b) recognises that, while there are enormous benefits to the internet, going online also comes with risks including (but not limited to) cyberbullying, cyberstalking, trolling, malware, scams, and the theft of financial and personal information;

(c) expresses its support for the SID campaign's aim to reach out to children and young people, parents and carers, teachers, educators and social workers, industry, decision makers and politicians to encourage everyone to play their part in creating a safer and better internet; and

(d) encourages:

  (i) all members and senators in the Australian Parliament to promote the messages of SID to their constituents along with helpful advice about how to protect themselves and those in their care from harm online; and

  (ii) the Australian Government, through its agencies – in particular the Office of the eSafety Commissioner – to provide the resources, educational materials and regulatory environment that helps all Australians to have safe, positive online experiences.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was listening to comments this morning, and this sounds all warm and fuzzy about Safer Internet Day, but it was raised that as part of this a parent must ask their two-year-old if they can take their photo. If this is all part of it, then you have to ask the question: who is the parent and who is the child? If this is what they're pushing, then I think it's ridiculous. I haven't been able to look at it to understand fully what is on the internet about it, but I'm concerned about supporting this motion.

Question agreed to.