Our Submission regarding the 'Misinformation' Bill

And, how you can make one too.

ACMA Submission (Maat's Method and ASF), 23 July 2023

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There is a question we all need to answer for ourselves:

Do we want a Government department to have the power to impose civil and criminal penalties on users of the internet if they publish something that the Government doesn't like?

That is what the Communications Legislation Amendment (Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2023 (The Misinformation Bill) would allow, and we think it proposes an unacceptable and contemptible breach of the right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression.

What can you do?

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is currently seeking our feedback on the Misinformation Bill. So, let's give it to them. If you are opposed to this Bill, go ahead and have your say via this link: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/new-acma-powers-combat-misinformation-and-disinformation

Peter, our Principal and human rights law specialist, has drafted a detailed submission on behalf of our firm, with collaboration by Australians for Science and Freedom. You can download that submission at the top of this page. Please share the submission around to educate the public about the Bill. You can also use the submission as a guide to create your own - although your submission does not need to be detailed.

The main goal is to show the Department, and the Federal Government generally, that Australians will not accept such a brazen imposition on our fundamental human rights, which that Government has covenanted into protecting. We can do that by making as many submissions as possible. Make sure you make your submission before the deadline on 6 August 2023.

Peter can be contacted for comment via contact@maatsmethod.com.au