FOI2016/17-17 Document 3
Social Media
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Guideline
on use of social media
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources’ Guideline on use of social media is
important reading for all employees.
The Guideline on use of social media sets out clear guidance for employees using social
media, whether for official departmental business or for personal use.
Like the APS Values and Code of Conduct, this guideline applies at all times to all employees
and contractors of the department, whether at home or in the office.
The guideline is supported by a factsheet on using social media for all employees that
discusses the implications of using social media as a Departmental employee.
Code of Conduct
Staff are reminded that when they are engaging online, either at work or at home, they are
stil governed by The
Public Service Act 1999 (the Act). This means that at al times, staff
must uphold the standards of behaviour and conduct expected of al Australian Public
Service (APS) employees that are expressed in the APS Code of Conduct (the Code) and
Values. The Code may apply whenever there is a connection between the employee’s
behaviour and its effect on the workplace or employees, the reputation of the department,
the APS or the Commonwealth.
An emerging issue within the APS, is suspected misconduct that occurs in connection with
the use of social media and social networking sites. Some examples of potential misconduct
include:
1. Uploading photos of yourself on a social networking site showing you engaged in
inappropriate behaviour or behaving illegally. If you are identifiable as a DAWR employee
(e.g. you wear a uniform) you are required to act and behave in a professional manner at all
times.
2. Making derogatory comments about your colleagues or managers on a social networking
site.
3. Making comments criticising the work of the Department on a social networking site.
If an APS employee is found to have breached the Code, the possible sanctions for breaching
the Code of Conduct are:
•
termination of employment
•
reduction in classification
•
reassignment of duties
•
reduction in salary by way of fine (which must not be more than 2% of annual salary)
•
a reprimand
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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More than one sanction can be imposed for a breach of the Code.
More information about the Code and how suspected misconduct is managed in the
department is available on the conduct and behaviour page.
The Australian Public Service Commission’s Ethics Advisory Service can also provide
guidance on how to apply the Values and Code and strategies and techniques for ethical
decision-making in the APS.
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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