Public Comment Glines

From time to time members of University staff may be called upon or choose to enter the public arena in their professional or expert capacity in order to comment on an issue of public interest. As part of the wider responsibility of the University of Western Australia to transmit expert knowledge, this public role for staff is encouraged. The University sees it as important in building its relationships with the broader Western Australian and Australian communities.

It is recognised, however, that some issues may be highly sensitive within the community. For that reason it is important to clarify the basis on which staff may take a public role as members of the University. The following statements have been drawn up to assist and protect staff by making clear the University's expectations.

1.	Members of staff writing or speaking publicly in a professional or expert capacity in their discipline may identify themselves by their University appointment or qualifications and may, for that purpose, use the name of the University. The University expects staff will maintain the highest professional and ethical standards when they associate themselves with its name in public statements. They should also indicate, when appropriate, that their opinions may not reflect the views of the University. In determining what constitutes professional or expert comment staff members should be guided by good judgement and common sense. The University encourages staff to be available to the press for comment in their areas of expertise and/or responsibilities. In such situations, and particularly when contacted through their University affiliation by reporters or other media representatives, staff may consider themselves as covered by these guidelines.
2.	Public statements on behalf of the University should only be made by persons authorised by the Senate or the Vice Chancellor.
3.	A member of staff commenting publicly on a public issue other than in a professional or expert capacity should do so from her or his private address and should not use the name of the University, or otherwise identify herself or himself as a member of the staff of the University. Whatever staff members may say or do they should also be mindful that they do not injure a person's reputation or create any basis for defamation action. Understandably, the University cannot be responsible for any claims that might follow such comments.
4.	The use of University letterhead is restricted to the conduct of University business or where the member of staff is commenting on a public issue as defined by these guidelines.
5.	Any member of staff who is unsure about whether or not his or her planned public comment fulfils these policy guidelines should seek the advice of the Executive Dean or Head of Department. Members of staff who find that they are frequently asked to make public comment may wish to develop their media skills. If so they should contact the Centre for Staff Development who run helpful programmes in this area from time to time. Departments may also wish to contact the Director of Public Affairs who is able to offer advice on media strategies and provide helpful assistance in the preparation of public statements.
6.	Staff with responsibility for the induction of new staff members should include reference to this policy in their induction process.