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Australian Electoral Commission
The Australian Electoral Commission has today launched a Referendum Disinformation Register that will debunk mistruths spread about Referendum processes.
The register is being launched now in recognition of the increasing public commentary about the proposed voice to Parliament referendum, which will be the first federal referendum in nearly a quarter of a century.
In line with the AEC’s role, the disinformation register will focus solely on harmful disinformation relating to the process of conducting referendums. Citizens have the right to express views about democratic events that are a contest of ideas - the AEC does not restrict those freedoms. While the AEC will run an advertising campaign encouraging voters to carefully ‘stop and consider’ information they receive regarding the proposed Constitutional amendment, it is not the AEC’s role to moderate ‘yes’ or ‘no’ campaigning.
The disinformation register will be regularly updated as required, prominently list the correct information and detail any AEC action taken. The register will serve as not only a disincentive to purveyors of electoral disinformation but also as an informative tool for voters.
For the first time, the AEC’s disinformation register will also include a section to help readers identify the tactics used to spread electoral disinformation. This follows recent research that indicates that ‘prebunking’ can be an effective tool in helping citizens to reject disinformation when they encounter it.
During the 2022 federal election, an AEC disinformation register was created for the first time as an additional tool in the ongoing effort to combat deceptive information about how elections are run.
Initial examples of disinformation regarding the Referendum process are unfortunately being seen already and are listed on the register. They range from the potential weaponising of procedural confusion to outrageous, and unfortunately predictable, accusations of partiality.
Anyone wanting information about referendum processes should come to the source. You can follow the AEC on social media or visit the AEC website’s referendum landing page.
Australian Electoral Commissioner, Tom Rogers
“When it comes to referendum processes, we are the agency that will deliver them, we’re the experts and we’ll continue to be active in defending Australia’s democracy.”
“Australia has not had a federal referendum in nearly a quarter of a century, with around 6.4 million people on the current electoral roll who weren’t of voting age at that time. It’s vital that we’re active in ensuring people know how the process works.”
“The message here is simple – 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. We can’t and won’t play a role with campaign information beyond ensuring it is authorised, so people know the source”.
“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 AEC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.