The Voice of Change
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Your Voice, our Voices— have the power to create enduring change. I urge you use your Voice today, and together let’s create our world of tomorrow.
Submissions CLOSE on 20 August, 2023. Have your say today!
Background
In an attempt to combat ‘Misinformation & Disinformation’, the Australian Government has released a draft Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2023.
The Bill gives powers to the ACMA (Australian Communications & Media Authority) to silence online information deemed to be ‘Misinformation or Disinformation’.
The question is— who determines what is ‘Misinformation or Disinformation’?
Democracy is built upon the very tenants of debate. Individual thought. Creative self-expression. Challenging the ‘one story’ is what citizens must do to keep their governments in check and remind them of their civic duties.
The core responsibility of a democratically elected government transcends the confines of opinion policing. Its duty lies in nurturing the interests of its citizens, safeguarding their rights and freedoms, and kindling the flame of collective well-being. Upholding the rule of law, providing essential services, and fostering economic growth are the threads that weave the tapestry of a thriving society. Yet, true democracy demands citizen participation, transparency, and accountability, as the pulse of the people must resonate in the halls of power.
~ Sandy Barrett
Voice of Others
Sharing a number of opinion pieces and submissions that raise some serious concerns about the draft Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2023.
Ironically as I put this list together, it occurred to me that this type of online freedom of expression & challenging government policy would in fact be censored under the workings of this Bill! Would I even be allowed to post this substack?
Preserving Democratic Principles: Navigating the Fog of Misinformation
Truth as Lies, and Lies as Truth: Commentary on Bill
Informed Choice: Meryl Dorey’s Submission
Download Peter Fam’s Submission (see video interview below)
Robyn Chuter’s (non) submission
Informed Choice: Various Submissions from around Australia
In the video below, Meryl Dorey interviews Peter Fam, Human Rights Attorney— where they discuss in depth the ACMA & Censorship.
Discussion starts at 7:49 minutes
Have your Say
Submissions CLOSE on 20 August, 2023— don’t miss your opportunity to have your say regarding Freedom of Speech— the lynch pin of a free & democratic society.
Have your say
I specifically wrote to Federal MP Ross Vasta to adopt legislation where the Government has a regulatory body to oversee information posted by Australia Media like channel 7 & 9 News about 4- 7 weeks ago after one of these main news channels re posted video of a teenage girl throwing a cat out the window of a car she was driving over a freeway overpass in Brisbane. That this footage is unacceptable and should not be reposted by major media channels on Google News in Australia. I found out that the Australian Legislation and Media Regulators had no legislation to stop or enforce what the major media channels in Australia post as news. This needs to be updated so that especially major news channels do not post harmful or inappropriate footage via iPhone / internet channels in Australia. Most people think that is regulations that cover this. Though there are not. Please support that this goes through though of course with legislation and guidelines that can be adapted and discussed by public. Thank you
Meryl Dorey should never be cited as a source of truth? She's one of the most disgusting people in Australia with her AVN cult. I have no time for her cult and misinformation and profiteering by targeting desperate people. Also a pretty safe bet if something's on Rumble it's because it is garbage.