‘Roman amphitheatre stuff’: Barnaby Joyce blasts execution livestream

Barnaby Joyce has joined Greens and Liberal politicians in condemning plans to livestream a US firing squad execution, as Australian authorities face questions over how to keep the footage off local screens.

The One Nation MP described the proposed broadcast as “Roman amphitheatre stuff”, adding to criticism from Greens communications spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young and Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson. 

The shared opposition comes as Labor prepares its digital duty of care legislation. But agreement over the broadcast has not resolved differences over how platforms should be regulated, with Wilson warning about censorship and eSafety confirming it cannot proactively prevent the livestream. 

Political opponents condemn the plan

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the 3 December execution of Nidal Malik Hasan would be public and available to watch online.

Hasan, a former US Army major, was convicted of killing 13 people and injuring dozens more at the Fort Hood military base in Texas in 2009. However, Donald Trump has since indicated that a final decision on livestreaming the execution has not been made.

Joyce told News24 he did not want children or adults to witness someone being killed by a firing squad.

Hanson-Young has written to Communications Minister Anika Wells and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, seeking action to prevent Australians from accessing the broadcast.

“This is incredibly shocking and barbaric,” Hanson-Young said. “Australians don't want this on our screens.” 

Wilson also criticised the proposed livestream, while questioning whether blocking it could create broader restrictions on online speech.

“We shouldn't be promoting that sort of violence,” he said.

The federal government has said platforms must ensure the footage does not appear on Australians’ screens, particularly in younger users’ feeds.

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eSafety outlines limits to its powers

Despite cross-party criticism, eSafety says its existing powers don't allow it to prevent the livestream from happening online.

A spokesperson said, “online services have responsibilities under Australia's online safety regulatory framework to protect users from harmful material”.

The regulator said it was in regular contact with platforms and would monitor developments and consider appropriate action.

Swinburne University media lecturer Dr Belinda Barnet told the ABC that existing powers were better suited to removing content after publication. She said the situation highlighted the need for the proposed digital duty of care, which would require platforms to take steps to reduce risks to users. 

Broader platform reforms remain contested

The Greens are seeking stronger provisions in Labor’s bill, including the right for Australians harmed online to take technology companies to court and seek compensation.

The party also wants penalties tied to global revenue and stronger protections against addictive platform features. 

Labor’s September exposure draft proposed penalties of up to $109.2 million and obligations covering social media, games, apps and AI chatbots. Its My Feed, My Way initiative would let social media users choose between personalised recommendations and content from accounts they follow. 

The Coalition remains opposed to the duty-of-care proposal.