Grave Concerns Regarding the Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation Bill 2024
Dear Senators,
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the proposed Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024. This Bill, if passed, will have severe and far-reaching implications for free speech and public discourse in Australia. I urge you to reconsider the dangers this legislation poses to our fundamental rights as citizens in a democratic society.
The broad powers given to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) under this Bill allow for the regulation and removal of content deemed “misinformation” or “disinformation” on digital platforms. Such vague definitions could lead to the unjust censorship of individuals who voice legitimate criticism of government policies or express perspectives that challenge mainstream narratives. Rather than fostering a robust public dialogue, this Bill risks stifling it, leading to a society where citizens may fear sharing their opinions for fear of being labeled as spreaders of misinformation.
The Australian people do not need legislation that enables a government authority to act as an arbiter of truth, potentially suppressing diverse viewpoints. We need safeguards to protect our right to free expression, not new mechanisms that curtail it. Public discourse and the free exchange of ideas are essential to democracy and self-determination. Censorship, by contrast, breeds distrust and resentment, weakening the social fabric that binds us together.
In the age of digital information, we must rely on education and media literacy rather than restrictions and punitive measures. Instead of legislation that restricts speech, resources could be allocated to improve public understanding of digital media, equipping citizens to critically evaluate information themselves.
The government should not play the role of “nanny” to the Australian people. Democracy demands that citizens have the freedom to question, critique, and engage with policies openly. This Bill, unfortunately, does the opposite by potentially restricting those very freedoms. Therefore, I strongly oppose this Bill and urge Parliament to protect Australians’ right to free speech and self-determination.
Thank you for considering the views of the public on this critical issue. I trust that our government will uphold our freedoms and maintain Australia as a society where individuals are empowered to think and speak freely.
Yours sincerely,
General Maddox.
Editor |Real News Australia
Host | General Knowledge Podcast
This letter regarding the MAD Bill, which has just passed the House and is now destined to be decided on by the Senate, has just been emailed to all current Australian Senators.
I urge all whom this post reaches please copy the letter and send it to them yourself. Everyone needs to do this. Urge family and friends to do so also.
Below is a list of their email addresses you can copy and paste into your email. They are available on the governments website. https://www.directory.gov.au/commonwealth-parliament/senators
senator.katy.gallagher@aph.gov.au
senator.david.pocock@aph.gov.au
senator.ayres@aph.gov.au
senator.bragg@aph.gov.au
senator.cadell@aph.gov.au
senator.davey@aph.gov.au
jennifer.mcallister@aph.gov.au
senator.nampijinpaprice@aph.gov.au
senator.allman-payne@aph.gov.au
senator.hanson-young@aph.gov.au
senator.barbara.pocock@aph.gov.au
senator.marielle.smith@aph.gov.au
senator.carol.brown@aph.gov.au
senator.whish-wilson@aph.gov.au
senator.hodgins-may@aph.gov.au
senator.matt.o’sullivan@aph.gov.au
senator.steele-john@aph.gov.au
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