Bravo to Govt for keeping promise of elevating our young and talented youths
The appointment of Anne Dunn as the Commissioner of the new Online Safety Commission should be welcomed. Likewise, Government should be commended for keeping its word – elevating young and talented individuals in leadership positions. In fact, Ms Dunn may be the youngest Commissioner appointed so far in the country. Though raw and young, the 26-yearold will no doubt get the much-needed support from both the Attorney-General and Solicitor General’s office.
Ms Dunn was a FijiFirst candidate in the November 14 general election. During the party campaigns around the country, Ms Dunn was vocal about online safety issues. She was admitted to the bar last year after graduating from the University of the South Pacific with a Bachelors of Law in 2016.
She had spent six months as a Paralegal at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Earlier this year in an interview with the USP Alumni Network, Ms Dunn had indicated that as a career, she wanted to be an innovative public prosecutor. But to be given an opportunity to head a newly formed Commission that deals with issues relevant to the young of today is not one to let go off easily.
There will be challenges because this is a new initiative. But Ms Dunn’s own advice to current and future law students is relevant:
“Don’t be afraid to try. No matter how frightening, no matter how crazy other people might think it is, if you want to try it because you believe it’ll make you a better person than give it a shot, and if it doesn’t work out, try again, never be afraid to at least try.” Here are some things we all need to understand about the Online Safety Commission.
■ the Online Safety Act, through the establishment of an Online Safety Commission, sets out a transparent redress mechanism for those that are most vulnerable and susceptible to abuse and violence on the social media including children and those who suffer from mental incapacity.
■ promote online safety, organise awareness and education programmes
■ receive complaints in relation to electronic communication that intends to cause harm, assess and provide advice in relation to any query or complaint submitted to the commission
■ Investigate complaints and seek to resolve such complaints as appropriate
■ Consultant work with relevant agencies, organisation or Government with the purpose of the Act, advise the minister on any matter pertaining to online safety and fulfil the functions within the Act itself.