Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Communications, which I believe is Senator Farrell. Today a US jury has found Meta and Google liable for deliberately designing addictive social media platforms that led to harm for users. It is now undeniable that these multibillion-dollar companies are making massive profits off products that are deliberately designed to be addictive, to generate division and to spread mis- and disinformation. These products are used every day by millions of Australians of all ages and backgrounds. Eighteen months ago, your government committed to ensuring that these toxic platforms were prevented from harming users by legislating a digital duty of care, yet we are still waiting. Why is your government failing to act to keep Australians safe?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Hanson-Young for her question. Senator Hanson-Young, I think the federal Albanese Labor government has been world-leading in some of the issues that you have just referred to and some of the issues that were dealt with in the court case overnight that you referred to. I am pleased to say that the early leadership on that issue in fact came from the Premier of South Australia, Mr Peter Malinauskas, when he suggested that we needed to move in this space to protect young people from—

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

What about all Australians?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Well, you referred to the decision overnight. My understanding of that decision is that it relates to penalties against Google and Meta for addictive actions of their platforms. Of course, the world-leading action that the Albanese government sought to take against these companies, very much against the wishes of these companies, has now resulted in a whole host of other countries—

You've talked about this decision overnight. You've asked that question. I am talking about some of the things that the world-leading Albanese Labor government has done. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hanson-Young, first supplementary?

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When will the minister start prioritising the wellbeing and safety of all Australians over multibillion-dollar tech giants and ensure that all users can opt out of toxic algorithms and turn that hate off?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Hanson-Young for her first supplementary question. We've got an excellent minister in this space. We have been leading the way. There is a whole host of ways in which we are projecting ordinary Australians, particularly—

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Big tech is laughing at you.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm not laughing, Senator Hanson-Young. I'm taking your question seriously, so I would object to that reference to laughing. I should say kumusta to my friends from the Philippines. It's great to see you here.

Honourable senators interjecting—

My wife comes from the Philippines. I'm entitled to greet the people of the Philippines. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hanson-Young, second supplementary?

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That was like watching a boomer try and work out how to like and not like on Instagram. Minister, could you please explain—

Government Senators:

Government senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Come to order on my right! I'm waiting for silence.

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Isn't it true, Minister, that the reason your government won't take the action that's required on big tech, who are now the new big tobacco, is that you don't want to upset Donald Trump?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I refuse to take advantage of your youth and inexperience, Senator Hanson-Young.

Hon. Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Come to order! I do need to hear Minister Farrell's answer.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hanson-Young, I do take a drug for my diabetes called Ozempic, and, amongst other things, it's an anti-ageing drug. I am now five years younger than when I first started taking it. Senator Hanson-Young, we are not afraid of Donald Trump. The answer specifically to your question is no.