David Coleman (Banks, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Communications) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government has done some really bad things, but if you want to add to that list, have a look at the extraordinary misinformation bill that the government has put out. It is an absolute shocker. I would encourage all members of the government to read this bill, if they haven't. It's got some extraordinary content in it.

Under the bill, something that the government authorises cannot be misinformation, but if somebody criticises the government it can be misinformation. ACMA will have extraordinary powers which will mean that the digital platforms will self-censor a whole range of content, which will suppress the legitimate free speech of Australians. ACMA will be able to require any Australian to appear before it to answer questions about misinformation or disinformation and fine that person $8,000 per day if they do not appear before the ACMA misinformation interrogation. That is quite an extraordinary provision. If you're an academic, what you say cannot be misinformation, but if you disagree with the academic that can be misinformation under the bill. It's all in there. Please read it.

There is an open question. Did the Minister for Communications actually read and understand this bill before she put it out? If she did it's a damning indictment. If she didn't it's a damning indictment. This is an extraordinary bill, and it must be ripped up.