People must have a right to communication without conflicts of interest - Senate Estimates 24.5.23

I oppose Labor's proposed Misinformation & Disinformation Bill.

The arrogance of the entrenched establishment is highlighted by this bill that seeks to silence individuals but protect governments, bureaucrats, media and universities. Democracy is meant to protect individuals from the government. How is that meant to happen if our voices are silenced? It is Individuals who have the right to decide what is misinformation, not the government.

I am deeply concerned about the implications of the Albanese Government's draft of the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2023. It raises significant questions about its potential to curtail genuine freedom of speech in Australia.

The preservation of freedom of speech is a cornerstone of our democracy, and I am committed to safeguarding it.

The provisions within this Bill grant sweeping powers to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which could inadvertently lead digital companies to engage in self-censorship out of fear of substantial fines.

The bill's problems are numerous:

1. The definition of “misinformation” is so broad that it could capture many statements made by Australians in the context of political debate.

2. Authorised content by the Albanese Government can’t be misinformation, but criticisms of the Albanese Government by ordinary Australians can be misinformation.

3. Nothing an academic says can be misinformation, but statements by somebody disagreeing with an academic can be misinformation.

4. Good faith statements made by entertainers cannot be misinformation, but good faith statements made by ordinary Australians on political matters can be misinformation.

5. Journalists commenting on their personal digital platforms could have their content removed as misinformation.

6. If the Minister has a favoured digital platform, then that platform could be entirely removed from the application of the misinformation laws.

In my opinion, the Albanese Government's approach to this matter is fundamentally misguided.

The Bill is deeply flawed and warrants staunch resistance from those who value free speech.

I am voting against the misinformation bill and will continue to fight against government overreach.