As Anika Wells stood on the lawns of Kirribilli House beneath a cloudy sky to promote the Albanese government’s under-16 social media ban, an oil tanker floated into Sydney Harbour behind her. The vessel’s name: Unique Harmony.
Oh, how the embattled – or is that beleaguered? – communications minister must be longing for a moment of harmony right now. As if battling the might of big tech and dopamine-deprived 15-year-old Snapchat addicts was not tough enough, Wells has been caught in a cyclonic scandal over her use of taxpayer-funded travel entitlements.
Federal Minister for Communications Anika Wells holds a press conference before attending an event at Kirribilli House.Credit: Kate Geraghty
Far from separate, the two issues are entangled. After all, it was the $100,000 spent to fly Wells and her team to New York for a United Nations event promoting the ban that lit the fuse on the expenses scandal.
Despite questions over its effectiveness, the government’s social media policy is overwhelmingly popular with parents (who happen to vote, unlike the teenagers affected by the ban). Governments around the world, including in Europe, are indicating they will follow Australia’s lead. Yet Wells, under siege, has been unable to bask in any glory. A week that should have been one to savour has turned into one to survive.
After a Sky News interview on Sunday morning in which she was grilled over the expenses affair, Wells laid low on Monday and Tuesday to avoid the media frenzy. Then came Wednesday, the day the ban on Australians under 16 holding social media accounts came into effect. A day Prime Minister Anthony Albanese believes will be viewed by history as a landmark Australian reform, similar to the secret ballot for voting at elections.
Hiding under the doona was not an option for the minister in charge of the relevant portfolio.
So she showed up. Did her job. Powered on. Answered questions. Held her head high.
To stop the official event at Kirribilli House from being derailed by questions about her expenses, Wells held a snap press conference beforehand to get it over with. Her tone was empathetic but not apologetic. Admitting any wrongdoing, or stepping down from cabinet, was not on the agenda.
“I have abided by the rules. I have followed the rules,” she told the amped up press pack, which was clearly energised by the whiff of scandal.
“I am happy to answer these questions, and I understand people want value for taxpayer money. I take taxpayer money really seriously, and I am happy for you guys have this debate and to keep answering your questions.”
Wells said she understood why Aussies doing it tough could flinch at politicians’ taxpayer-funded travel, but insisted she had not breached any guidelines. That’s why she has referred herself for an audit by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority.
“I accept that those figures prompt a gut reaction in people. I honestly accept that, and I agree with everybody that parliamentarians’ entitlements should be scrutinised,” she said.
For his part, Albanese is standing by his minister and believes the media’s focus on the 40-year-old mum’s family reunion spending to be deeply unfair. He was determined that the day’s focus be on the government’s social media laws, which he is certain will save young people’s lives. And he wanted Wells’ work on the policy to be highlighted, expenses scandal be damned. Among advocates, Wells is well regarded for her work implementing the restrictions.
Having deliberately eschewed salubrious Kirribilli House for his recent wedding in favour of the more austere Lodge in Canberra, Albanese was happy to use his Sydney residence to celebrate those who had championed the social media ban. A plan for the PM to play backyard cricket with school kids – to symbolise the IRL activities teenagers can devote more time to now they are banned from social media – was scrapped at the last minute so he could mingle with the guests.
Albanese was determined to showcase his social media ban – and his minister – on the big day. Credit: Kate Geraghty
Among those in attendance: Mia Bannister, whose 14-year-old son took his life after sustained online bullying, and Matt Howard, carrying a teddy bear containing the ashes of his daughter Charlotte who died by suicide at 12.
Emma Mason, whose 15-year-old daughter Tilly took her own life after being relentlessly bullied by classmates on social media, admitted she was frustrated by media nitpicking over teenagers evading the ban and the cost of Wells’ travel to New York.
“Australia needs to pull together like in World War II. We are facing a common enemy here,” she argued, referring to the dangers of social media.
Wells ended her address with a message of determination relevant to her own political career, as well as the fight against big tech. “Together, we made change happen, and together we will keep going.”
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; Lifeline 131 114; Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
Most Viewed in Politics
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
