|
Anthony Albanese’s communications minister Michelle Rowland was asked a very specific question at the National Press Club this week.
“Can you be clear if you will retain the exemption for political parties within a misinformation bill?”
The answer was less than clear.
In fact, it was all over the shop.
“I’ve made it clear that those exemptions are in there for a reason,” she said.
“It’s because they are regulated elsewhere under different standards and under other laws.”
She went on to say that the exemption was to make sure “official information” – like emergency warnings – can’t be removed by social media companies.
So the government can’t be hit with a penalty under their own crack down on misinformation, but you can.
What about Labor’s 2016 Mediscare campaign, when Labor lied about the Coalition axing Medicare*?
What about last year when Labor lied to South Australians over claims ambulance ramping was “worse than ever”*?
Would all that get covered by the law?
Not according to a report in The Australian*.
“... exemptions will remain for political parties and government bodies from complying with Labor’s proposed misinformation laws”, the paper reported.
Another classic case of “them” versus “us”.
One rule for us, but a completely different one for our political elites.
It’s like they're playing a different game. And it’s not just any old game – it’s our democracy they’re mucking around with.
What’s at stake here is more than just a law; it's the principle of fairness in our democracy.
We need laws that hold everyone to the same standard, not laws that give a free pass to those who write them.
The Ministry of Truth laws need to be junked.
It’s not good enough to say, “do as I say, not as I do”.
Because at the end of the day, what we need is a fair and just society, where the law doesn’t discriminate based on who you are or what position you hold.
That’s the truth based on Australian values, and we shouldn’t settle for anything less.
Grateful for you,
|
Advance - Misinformation Bill.
