Media release
Senator Babet fights Albanese Government's 'Mis/Disinformation Bill'
UAP Senator Ralph Babet has ramped up his opposition to the Albanese Labor Government's proposed 'Misinformation Bill' by submitting a detailed objection to the Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications.
The Bill has sparked widespread concern, with over 35,000 Australians voicing their opposition through Senator Babet's website.
Senator Babet calls for the Bill to be rejected in its entirety, arguing that existing legislation already protects Australians from online harm.
He highlights laws such as the Online Safety Act 2021, the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005, and existing defamation and criminal laws as sufficient tools to safeguard citizens from misinformation and disinformation without the need for additional measures.
"The proposed bill threatens the human rights of Australians, including freedom of expression, privacy, and due process," Senator Babet said.
He warned that the broad definitions and sweeping powers granted to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Minister could result in overreach, undermining democratic principles and leading to arbitrary enforcement.
In the submission, Senator Babet advocates for alternative approaches, such as adopting educational initiatives like New Zealand's model, where citizens are empowered to scrutinize information critically.
He also suggests exploring the use of 'community notes' on digital platforms to challenge inaccurate information while trusting the Australian public to determine the truth for themselves.
"Granting government authorities and digital platforms the power to control the flow of information is a step towards authoritarianism.
"Australians should be trusted to decide what is true or false, without interference from the state," Senator Babet said.
Read Senator Babet's submission by CLICKING HERE
