Twitter is a web-based messaging service used to distribute news and to share and discuss information in the form of short messages called ‘tweets’.

You do not need to register for Twitter to view these tweets but will need an account if you wish to make a tweet or participate in discussions.  Where a Twitter account is public its tweets can be viewed on the account holder’s profile page.

The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities uses Twitter to;

• distribute news, announcements, activities, event notices and updates from the department
• highlight relevant initiatives and activities initiated by the department, committees, government agencies and other organisations
• listen and monitor community feedback regarding the department’s policies, activities and initiatives
• selectively convene or participate in discussions on issues and topics within the department’s areas of responsibly

The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities currently operates the Twitter account @envirogov

• Twitter 

This account is managed by the department’s Public Affairs Team with support from other business areas.

Other accounts associated with the department are:

• @ AusAntarctic  – for distribution of news, event updates, announcements relating to the Australian Antarctic Division, which sits within the department,
  
• @C4oC  – for consultation around the review of the Caring for Our Country Program. The Caring for Country program a jointly managed by the department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
  
• @Parks_Australia  – for distribution of news, event updates, announcements relating to Parks Australia, a Statutory Authority working with the department.

Will you respond to my tweets?

Unfortunately the department is not always able to respond to individual tweets. If a common question or topic is raised the department will aim to provide a response addressing the repeat question or group topic.

The department’s Twitter responses should be considered as comparatively informal, similar to a telephone call.

For more formal requests or inquiries please email ciu@environment.gov.au

When is your Twitter account monitored?

The Public Affairs team periodically monitors Twitter accounts during business hours (Australian Eastern Time). They may be intermittently monitored outside business hours subject to staff availability.

Will you follow me on Twitter?

The department may choose to follow organisations and individuals involved with, or actively discussing matters that relate to the portfolio and media/news outlets.

Individuals and organisations choosing to follow @envirogov will not necessarily be followed in return.

You may request that @envirogov stop following you by emailing ciu@environment.gov.au or by blocking the Department’s account using the block function in Twitter.

You are reminded that Twitter is a public space on the internet and most interactions are publicly viewable and searchable over time. For more information visit http://help.twitter.com .

Privacy

The identities and contact details of those following the department’s Twitter accounts are not recorded unless users choose to voluntarily provide this information. Contact information will only be used for the purpose for which it is provided.

For more details, view the department’s privacy notice on the website. Please also note Twitter’s Privacy Policy .