Zali Steggall MP has reintroduced her Private Member’s Bill in the hope of stopping “lies” in political advertising.
The bill aims to prohibit misleading or deceptive political advertising in all Federal elections, including referenda and the Warringah MP says it it based on existing legislation from South Australia and the ACT.
I am introducing my updated Stop the Lies Bill to stop misleading & deceptive advertising in elections & referendums. We can have a respectful debate. Australians can handle the truth. #ulurustatement #integrity #auspol #stopthelies pic.twitter.com/m88sOVpJ6h
— 🌏 Zali Steggall MP (@zalisteggall) November 27, 2022
“The Bill is sorely needed, as currently under Australian law it is perfectly legal to lie in a political ad. Sadly, we’ve seen from past elections and plebiscites that scaremongering and disinformation can get in the way of a fair debate,” said Steggall in a statement.
“I want to see politicians and political parties held to the same account as everyone else”, said Steggall.
“The amendments proposed have been tried and tested as they are modelled on legislation that has been in place in South Australia for over 20 years and was adopted by the ACT last year. There is both a legislative and a normative preventative effect from this Bill.
“I urge the Government to get behind this Bill as a matter of urgency. It is imperative that these laws are passed in advance of the official launch of the Voice campaign”.
Currently, there is no law or body to stop politicians or third parties from lying during election or referendum campaigns. Steggall’s Bill would create a complaints process through the Australian Electoral Commissioner who may order a retraction of the statement and/or an apology to the effected party.
Steggall added that the upcoming referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and the Brexit campaign in the UK represent important examples of misinformation in political advertising.
“Baseless baseless claims that the Voice would constitute a ‘third chamber of parliament’ have polluted the public debate,” the former Winter Olympian said.
“The Brexit campaign in the UK is a fresh example of the impact of misleading and deceptive communication in referendum campaigns,” she added.