Free speech in Australia under threat

The Australian government has introduced proposed legislative changes to its controversial Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation Bill 2023 after it was shelved last year in the face of strong criticism.

Click icon for previous coverage

The unveiling of this revised legislation has inflamed the contentious debate over free speech, regulation and the digital information landscape.

In a statement this week, communications Minister Michelle Rowland said that misinformation poses “a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of Australians, as well as to our democracy, society and economy… Doing nothing and allowing this problem to fester is not an option.”

Critics have hit back at the notion that free speech is a threat to Australia’s democracy. They say the government is essentially trying to convince its citizens that the only way they will be safe, is to permit the control of information online.