AEC launches Referendum Disinformation Register
Posted: April 28th, 2023
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has launched a Referendum Disinformation Register to help stop mistruths spreading about referendum processes, in relation to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
As part of this, the AEC has made it clear it is not fact-checking claims about the Yes or No case for a referendum, nor is it seeking to censor debate in any way – the register is about the processes surrounding how the referendum works.
“The message here is simple,” Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said. “The AEC will not tolerate the spread of mistruths about our referendum processes, no matter the source.
“While we’ll be active in communicating about referendum processes, it’s up to voters to stop and consider information they see, hear or read from ‘yes’ and ‘no’ campaigns.
“The Australian vote belongs to all Australians and there is freedom of political communication. However, if you spread incorrect information about the process we run – deliberately or otherwise – we will correct you.”
The register also includes a section to help readers identify tactics used to spread electoral disinformation.
