Saturday Magazine

28 Oct 2023

Saturday 28th, October, 2023: Truth, Lies and Consequences: Bill Browne and Truth in Political Advertising

Current Affairs, Interview, Joy, Joy 94.9, Joy Media, Media, Podcast, Society & Culture

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Fiona and Macca are joined live on air, by Bill Browne, Director of the Democracy & Accountability Program.

‘New research from the Australia Institute shows more than 60 per cent of ‘No’ voters are concerned about the misinformation and disinformation that circulated on social media during the referendum campaign, with more than 80 per cent of that cohort wanting to see truth in political advertising laws in place before the federal election, expected in 2025.

The findings of the Australia Institute’s special exit poll show that an overwhelming nine in 10 Australians support truth in political advertising laws, regardless of how they voted in the referendum or their political affiliations.

The results highlight the need for federal parliament to follow the example set by South Australia and the ACT and enact laws to protect voters from misleading and harmful electoral conduct.

Key Results:

The Australia Institute conducted a special exit poll, surveying a sample of 1,547 Australians from 6pm Saturday 14 October, about the Voice referendum and misinformation. The results were weighted according to the latest referendum count.

Nine in 10 Australians (87%) agree that truth in political advertising laws should be in place in time for the next federal election campaign; only 4% disagree.
Both those who voted “Yes” and those who voted “No” to the Voice overwhelmingly agree that truth in political advertising laws should be in place in time for the next federal election campaign (92% and 83% respectively).
Seven in 10 Australians (72%) agree they are concerned about lies and misinformation that circulated on social media during the referendum campaign, compared to one in five who disagree (17%).
Seven in 10 (72%) Australians agree it is now up to the Albanese Government to come up with solutions to close the gap, compared to 47% who agree it is up to No campaigners

“Misinformation and disinformation swamped the referendum campaign with arguments that often had little to do with what Australians were being asked to vote on,” said Dr Richard Denniss, Executive Director of the Australia Institute.

“Whether it is an election or a referendum, voters should go to the polls armed with the facts. In Australia, it is perfectly legal to lie in a political ad – and it shouldn’t be.

“If Australia is going to have a healthy democracy, we need to have healthy democratic debates.

“One of the main arguments for those voting against the referendum was that it would divide Australia. One thing that clearly unites Australia is the desire for truth in political advertising”

https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/overwhelming-support-for-truth-in-political-advertising-laws-following-referendum/

Bill’s diverse areas of interest include the use of opinion polling, carbon capture and storage, truth in political advertising reforms, digital technology, proportionate fines and the role of the states and the Senate in Australian democracy. Prior to coming to the Australia Institute, he worked as an environmental, social, governance (ESG) analyst.

Link and Photo courtesy Australia Institute.