Facebook is ace for a great many things.

But defamation is not one of them, as Norfolk Island resident Kim Edward recently discovered.

Face Palm

Longtime island resident Ms Edward was recently caught up in a discussion about maintenance of a local bridge.

During a Facebook discussion Ms Edward alleged that at a public meeting Norfolk Island's administrator, Gary Hardgrave, would like to have the bridge maintenance "back-filled with local people".

A bridge too far?

The claims were denied by Mr Hardgrave and a number of those present. But that wasn't enough for Ms Edward, who retorted on Facebook with:

"Yeah and it's highly unlikely that the people hosting the party…would admit to what the arsehole said."

Island time

The comments resulted in Ms Edward, a public servant for 30 years, losing 2% of her wages. 

And to rub salt into the social wound, on July 1 when Norfolk Island ends a century of self-government, Ms Edward will lose her job, after being informed her position is no longer required in the new Regional Council.

The lesson for the rest of us: on Facebook everybody can hear you scream. And swear.