A petition has been launched following the announcement of the Breaking Online Notoriety Bill being introduced into Parliament this week.

The Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton is asking residents to show their support for the Bill by signing the petition, which calls on all parliamentarians to back the Bill.

“The petition, which is hosted on my website is open for signatures from all residents who are concerned about the use of social media to promote anti-social behaviour,” he said.

“Again this week we saw the disgusting behaviour of local youths damaging private property, filming it and putting it online and sharing it with their peers to boast.” The Breaking Online Notoriety Bill seeks to extend the powers of the eSafety Commissioner, which will help prevent young offenders from gaining social credit and discourage others from engaging in similar behaviour.

The petition will be available for signing online at garthhamilton.com.au/delivering-for-groom/1839-2/ or at Mr Hamilton’s electorate office, at 516 Ruthven Street in Toowoomba.

Mr Hamilton said he hoped that the petition would demonstrate the community support and encourage the Government to take action and support stronger powers for the eSafety Commissioner.

“I urge everyone in the Groom electorate who is concerned about the promotion of criminal activity on social media to sign the petition in support of the Breaking Online Notoriety Bill,” he said.

“I call on the Government to listen to the concerns of our community and support my Private Member’s Bill.”

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 30 March 2023.