Telstra is the first communications company to release such a policy because it wants to be the first to sack someone for speaking out. No other reason.

In accordance with this policy: I am a former Telstra employee. I worked for many years in a call centre for the consumer and marketing division. I was subject to many gagging attempts when I was outspoken about the company’s anti-staff and anti-customer policies. I was also subject to disciplinary action (eventually withdrawn by Telstra, only after receiving a letter from a lawyer) for my activities as a union rep.

I see exactly where this is heading for frustrated Telstra staff members and/or active union members. Anyone who has not worked within ‘the beast’ can be forgiven for construing this as a positive step. It is not.

You are correct in identifying that this policy will be tweaked in time.

We are relying on our employees to share their perspectives and experiences to ensure the policy works.

As a mediacomms company we need to participate in online conversations and communities.

Formalising the 3Rs social media guardrails and incorporating them into our company policies was essential for us to kick start the journey.

There is still alot more to do and alot more to learn.

Mike Hickinbotham
(I work at Telstra!)