REGISTER TO MONITOR AND DEBUNK REFERENDUM DISINFORMATION

BY ELIZA KLOSER

Yesterday, The Australian Electoral Commission launched a register to debunk disinformation spreading online about the Voice to Parliament Referendum.

The Referendum Disinformation Register aims to monitor public commentary about the Referendum that will be held later this year for an Indigenous advisory body to be enshrined in the Consitution.

Australian Electoral Commission Acting Director Jayde Perry said the Register will not infringe on free speech but focus solely on harmful disinformation relating to the process.

“Incorrect information is getting out to the Australian public,” she said.

“So our register has been launched, where voters can log on and have a look and see the commentary about what information is being shared and is accurate and what’s not.”

The disinformation register will be regularly updated as required, prominently list the correct information and detail any AEC action taken.

The register will serve as not only a disincentive to purveyors of electoral disinformation but also as an informative tool for voters

Australian Electoral Commissinor Tom Rogers says that they are continuing to defend Australias democracy.

“Australia has not had a federal referendum in nearly a quarter of a century, with around 6.4 million people on the current electoral roll who weren’t of voting age at that time.

“It’s vital that we’re active in ensuring people know how the process works,” he said.

“The message here is simple – the AEC will not tolerate the spread of mistruths about our referendum processes, no matter the source.”

For more information head to the Referendum Disinformation Register.

Listen to the full interview for all the information.