The ACT Legislative Assembly’s decision to legislate for Truth in Political Advertising, backed by all sides of politics, is a stunning breakthrough. Now, it's time to see Truth in Political Advertising Legislation on a federal level.
“This legislative advance shows it is possible to regulate political advertising in a way that protects free speech and robust political debate,” said Ben Oquist, Executive Director of the Australia Institute.
“Around the world, democracies are struggling to adjust to a world full of disinformation. How to address this challenge will be a defining issue of our age. As the nation’s capital, the ACT has stepped up to play a leadership role in this regard.
“It is now time for a national debate on federal legislation that could mirror what has just been put in place in the ACT. The time is ripe for truth in political advertising laws that are constitutional, uphold free speech, but introduce a measure of fairness and accountability to the political process.
“Disinformation and the distortion of truth is one the big issues of our age. Unless action is taken, we risk our public debate sliding into fake news free-for-all.
“Elections – the very heart of our democratic system – need the most protecting from these trends, and political parties and politicians have a special responsibility to act. It is now time for a national debate on federal legislation that could build on what has just been put in place in the ACT.
“Congratulations to Chief Minister Andrew Barr and ACT Labor for leading a forward-thinking reformist Government that is embracing and implementing the change. Congratulations to the ACT Greens for bringing these amendments forward. And congratulations to the Canberra Liberals for being a constructive Opposition by backing the reforms and upholding the importance of accountability.”
The Australia Institute’s Truth in Political Advertising Laws report by researcher Bill Browne is available at www.tai.org.au
