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https://theconversation.com/playful-or-harmful-david-seymours-posts-raise-questions-about-whats-ok-to-say-online-259658>
"Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour says he is being
“playful” and having “fun” with his “Victim of the Day” social media posts,
targeting opponents of his Regulatory Standards Bill.
But the posts – which have singled out academics and MPs who have criticised or
made select committee submissions against the bill, accusing them of suffering
from “Regulatory Standards Derangement Syndrome” – have now led to at least two
official complaints to Cabinet.
Wellington City mayor Tory Whanau has alleged they amounted to “online
harassment and intimidation” against academics and were in breach of the
Cabinet Manual rules for ministers. According to the manual, ministers should
behave in a way that upholds, and is seen to uphold, the highest ethical and
behavioural standards. This includes exercising a professional approach and
good judgement in their interactions with the public, staff, and officials,
and in all their communications, personal and professional.
Academic Anne Salmond, one of those targeted by the posts, has also alleged
Seymour breached the behaviour standards set out by the manual. According to
Salmond:
This “Victim of the Day” campaign does not match this description. It is
unethical, unprofessional and potentially dangerous to those targeted.
Debate is fine, online incitements are not."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
