ABC staff have been instructed not to delete emails, photographs, and documents related to antisemitism, social cohesion, and the Bondi terrorist attack in anticipation of a royal commission into the December massacre. This directive comes after the National Archives of Australia issued “disposal freeze notices” to institutions including ABC and SBS.
The announcement was made by ABC’s director of news, Justin Stevens, who informed staff that the public broadcaster must retain any document or record relevant to the commission. This includes materials on social cohesion, antisemitism, religiously motivated extremism, radicalisation, law enforcement, border control, and the circumstances surrounding the Bondi attack.
Background on the Royal Commission
Last month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared a royal commission into the tragic events of December 14, which resulted in 15 fatalities. Initially, Albanese opposed a federal inquiry, suggesting a NSW-based investigation would suffice. However, he reversed his stance following criticism from various political quarters. Former High Court judge Virginia Bell has been appointed as commissioner, with the inquiry expected to conclude before December 14, 2026.
The commission aims to examine “the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in institutions and society… in Australia.” Stevens emphasized the importance of preserving records to ensure compliance with the commission’s requirements.
Instructions to ABC Staff
Stevens communicated to ABC employees that the directive to retain records was disseminated “to all news staff to ensure we don’t inadvertently miss anyone, however, only some of you will have materials that are relevant.” He outlined the obligation to protect a wide range of materials, including documents, emails, text messages, social media posts, audio records, and datasets.
He also cautioned staff against using timed disappearing messages on encrypted apps like Signal, which are often used by journalists for sensitive communications. “Going forward, if you receive or send messages on Signal or any similar apps on these topics, continuing to use a disappearing messages setting would be a breach of the notice,” Stevens stated.
“If you regularly delete emails for storage and security reasons we have to exclude emails on these topics from deletion until further notice.”
Historical Context and Compliance
This is not the first time the ABC has faced such a directive. In 2020, the National Archives issued a similar notice concerning a federal inquiry into potential breaches of the law of war by Australian forces in Afghanistan. That notice remains in effect.
The current notice, issued by National Archives’ director-general Simon Froude, applies to over 30 government agencies, including the ABC, SBS, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the eSafety Commissioner, and the Attorney-General’s Department.
“A disposal freeze is necessary to ensure that these records are protected and available when required,” Froude stated on the archives’ website.
The notice technically suspends the National Archives’ permission to destroy government records related to antisemitism and social cohesion. Non-compliance can result in penalties of up to $6600.
Reactions and Implications
The ABC has declined to comment on the matter, while an SBS spokesman noted, “SBS has only recently received this notice and we are still in the process of working through the implementation and impacts.”
This development underscores the gravity of the upcoming royal commission and its potential implications for media organizations and government agencies. As the commission progresses, it will likely shed light on systemic issues related to antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia.
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