Labor misinformation bill ‘gets far worse’ as secret letter revealed

Labor’s misinformation bill gets “far worse” with The Australian uncovering a secret letter Communications Minister Michelle Rowland wrote to Anthony Albanese, says Sky News Digital Editor Jack Houghton.
In the letter, Ms Rowland informed him that her bill should grant her powers to steer investigators into whatever matters she thinks are misinformation.
"Communications Minister Michelle Rowland says she will have the power to direct the media watchdog to investigate instances of online misinformation, under controversial proposed laws to toughen regulations for digital platforms that have raised free speech concerns," The Australian reports.
Mr Houghton said the Coalition is “understandably upset” because there has been “absolutely no public commentary” that the power would exist and it hasn't featured as part of the debate.
“Labor has a terrible track record for authoritarian overreach and you cannot trust a government to determine what is true and what is false.”

[@chrismcgrath6704]

The only disinformation bill that should be passed , should be directed at the government and no one else.

[@reneesmith5619]

You are spot on. Our so called leaders are liars,cheats.Period!

[@mikeoz4803]

Well, Its not the unhinged Labor /Greens politician scum, its the unhinged voter scum who put these nutters into power!

[@fstop9466]

What a brilliant concept ! No more spin and question avoidance, actual truths from their lips would be amazing

[@cloudmountaindog8537]

We also seem to need a “compulsory answering” bill when they’re asked direct questions in official enquiries and press conferences. No more obfuscation, denial, blame shifting or gaslighting. How they get away with all of this BS is pretty wild.

[@kevinclarke68]

Labor gov biggest liars so blatant

[@LordEriolTolkien]

Our political class must be reminded that They are neither Nobility nor Clergy and are not employed to dictate Moral standards to the public.

[@ce244]

Both of whom have had some VERY questionable moral standards in the recent past...plank, splinter for them.

[@georgesutter2256]

Sounds good bishop Albonocio

[@markhill9275]

Yep, just leave all that to the WEF, just ask them!

[@jferrie1]

Our politicians are the most unimpressive people in society. Many have achieved nothing in the real world

[@talbotdentureclinic9123]

This stuff is amateur Albo is finished ⚰️

[@IcanbePsycho]

Labor, we will reduce power bill by $275.00 per year; misinformation right there!

[@paulh6395]

Dont say that loudly they are already threatening blackouts.To save people 275 per year as promised set black outs for 7pm to 9 pm weekdays and blame the public for using to much power.

[@tin2001]

Don't forget charging your electric car on solar at night.

[@ricky6864]

We need a referendum on immigration and for a misinformation bill directed squarely at politicians

[@markhill9275]

Actually, we need a referendum to enshrine freedom of speech in the constitution.

[@simonharris4873]

You need to find some new material.

[@simonharris4873]

@@markhill9275 Freedom of speech, or freedom to spread disinformation?

[@markhill9275]

@@simonharris4873 you are boring.

[@rayden9014]

too late mate, they already recruited all the voters for this

[@rihe7045]

Politicians decide what the truth is. What could possibly go wrong.

[@Luum81]

Absolutely nothThis comment has been labelled as misinformation and has been removed.

[@gregpedler7891]

😂 @@Luum81

[@midnightteapot5633]

This is just a resurrection of Steven Conroy's failed "internet filter" from fifteen years ago. These Labor b@stards never give up!

[@daleeustice9108]

Too bloody right mate 👍 We all know that we can trust our "HONORABLE MEMBERS" in parliament. Ha! Ha! Ha!😂😅

[@actualfacts1055]

The Labor Communists want to decide what the facts are, you don't get a say in it.

[@bermohair]

Yes, but do not count on the Liberal Communists to be any better or less criminal

[@davepowelldrumz]

the cov inquiry is exposing them and their lies.

[@secondchance6603]

We already have people telling, 'their' truth.

[@andyman8630]

neither do the facts, the evidence, the data nor the truth

[@stevep3692]

That sounds more like ScoMo and his cronies

[@stuartthompson7102]

This Government needs to go .

[@andyman8630]

pollyticians need to go - neither 'we the people' nor bureaucracies actually need them for any purpose

[@donaldrossalexander9388]

You can not trust Labor full stop!

[@southern-samurai]

Should be renamed 1984 bill.

[@andyman8630]

Ministry Of Bullschidt (oops, 'truth')

[@markhill9275]

Australia absolutely MUST have another referendum to enshrine in our constitution 2 things, Freedom of Speech, no caveats, just that it is our constituional right to freedom of speech, full stop. The other is that the burden of proof is on the accuser, no caveats. We absolutely must have this referendum!

[@davepowelldrumz]

we wont , thats why we had the other waste , it was a setup.

[@markhill9275]

@davepowelldrumz agreed, it was a setup, to change the costitution to enable the rape of Australia, and Sth Aus is still trying rape the country!

[@Dabaz073]

Can I suggest a 3rd; That constitutional rights become core educational curriculum

[@rosriggs9728]

@@Dabaz073 I agree, I challenge you to go to your local library and find a copy of the constitution anywhere on any shelf. There is nothing. I already complained locally.

[@monyafeek101]

Government's job is not to tell us what to do but to do what we say. How did we suddenly forget that?

[@andyman8630]

(public) servants who act as if they rule! elected 'representatives' who represent themsleves at our expense

[@rosriggs9728]

@@andyman8630 we didn't forget that... elbow is hard of hearing .

[@grahamhutton1633]

This would potentially be the final nail in the ALP electoral coffin.

[@lylehooper6986]

These grubs are supposed to work for the Australian public, not against us .

[@stenkarasin2091]

This is shocking, but saddly it is not surprising, this government has shown that it prefer's to work clandestinely behind our backs, nor has it hesitated to over reach whenever it thought it could get away with it.

[@chadcadsonvii5258]

They work for Chuck, not us!

[@Peter_Thorpe]

First they took our guns and now our Voice

[@boblouden6663]

They didn't take our guns,who told you that?

[@lisanorris7436]

This bill MUST be stopped.

[@user-xd4tu9di6q]

power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely

[@sparkleypegs8350]

They are desperate to initiate thought crimes.

[@yasi4877]

As proposed by Yuval Noah Harari

[@jonjon-jd6vt]

Thought crime is actually law in AU and has been for a very long time.

[@yasi4877]

@@jonjon-jd6vt YN Harari is referring to reading your thoughts by artificial means.

[@user-kr1zi7ck9g]

Stopped voting Labor after Bob Hawke. Now it’s Green /Labor 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢

[@andersdottir1111]

When people put themselves in the public arena then I will give my OPINION on their behaviour. Twisting my opinion and saying it’s ‘misinformation’ just invalidates my opinion. This is what narcissists do.

[@kevock7100]

WE NEED TO VOTE THIS LABOR PARTY OUT, ASAP.

[@johnmurray8267]

All those visits to China are paying off. Remember China’s 14 Point Directives that Morrison and Dutton rejected? ALP are implementing those 14 Points, such as UN voting as Directed by China, such as against Israel and not sending Navy to the Red Sea as asked by USA . Is this what y’all voted for? 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@derekmottley3656]

Yep, 31 %, something like that. You have Trump & Biden & you want to make fun of us ?

[@johnmurray8267]

@@derekmottley3656 hey Derek, I am in Australia stuck with Albanese 😎

[@derekmottley3656]

@@johnmurray8267 haha... I feel your pain ... 😉 y'all is very American.... I sometimes wonder if Biden or Trump would be a fair trade for sleazy...

[@peterlederer3896]

Only 30% voted Labour mate they got in on preferences

[@BigAl53750]

NO politician has the right to determine and then dictate to anyone what the truth is about anything. This is because MOST politicians have no idea what truth is, nor do most of them have any experiential concept of integrity.

[@rodnielson3056]

This is why we need a bill of rights.

[@agentsmithmememe]

Love how they call them a "Communication Minister" when they want to curb communication

[@credenza1]

Communism Minister.

[@stephaniebarnes7937]

It's becoming : the government versus the people.

[@leedoulman6027]

We are peasants in there eye you must obey god this government war soon people have had enough and it will get worse

[@jackdhillic7400]

There is no need for government to do anything about "misinformation". The people can sort out what is true and what is BS.

[@leedoulman6027]

That’s for sure

[@desertwind666]

If you really believe that then you are probably fooled already. Organisations invest heavily in tricking people into their view. An the entire way the internet works through algorithms is designed to stop you from considering other view points and just continuous confirmation bias.

[@forenzictoolzpoozle1599]

there is no cogent explanation for the need for this tyrannical piece of legislation ...

[@dylanvanhoorne3191]

Yes thier is control.and the brown shirt friends you surrounded by will not care or openly allow it

[@cloudmountaindog8537]

It’s about totalitarian control and the AI algorithm programming behind it.

[@credenza1]

All left wing policy is aimed at destroying property rights, centralizing power and silencing dissent. This is a condensation of those aims. Misinformation Bills lead inevitably to expanded police power to intrude into people's private lives and homes on the flimsiest of pretexts, and without warrant as in the UK.

[@petermiller4434]

SAY WHAT YOU THINK WHEN YOU WANT! AND SAY IT LOUD!

[@user-it7lf7kk8m]

She wants the powers of a secret police. She would be the gestapo

[@seandelap8587]

I will decide for myself what i believe is misinformation or not thank you very much

[@rodhowellnetwork28]

This has to be stoped and this arrogant governent has to go.

[@user-kr1zi7ck9g]

Communism 🤬

[@LordEriolTolkien]

Please define 'misinformation', 'disinformation', and 'malinformation', and then delineate how they differ from mere 'error', 'opinion', and 'joke'

[@paulveenings6861]

@@user-ol5sd9jl7v😂😂😂😂

[@LordEriolTolkien]

That worked out well in that parliamentary r@p3 case@@user-ol5sd9jl7v

[@rogermckinnon5738]

What is the definition of misinformation, one word "labor".

[@andyman8630]

if it comes from govt or their propaganda arm (the MSM), it is either misinformation, disinformation of malinformation

[@The-Anti-Woke]

they need to address the cost of living

[@steveburtenshaw1048]

Misinformation what about the ABC & SBS?

[@Corkedit]

As rolled out by the CIA/WEF/UN ect ect Its global not Australian

[@davidbarnsley8486]

Why do labor not just tell the truth and call this what it is Labor’s government propaganda only bill If they want this then it should include all politicians and public servants First and foremost 😡😡😡

[@davepowelldrumz]

they'll be exempt , just like the poke.

[@yasi4877]

@@davepowelldrumz Pauline "I'm not getting that sh_t in my body"

[@guysoceanharmonics]

I have read the bill and it is dangerous as it provides absolutely no reference to who will be judge and jury, no parameters are provided and no protection against any political, personal bias nor ideological bias. I have written to all members of the lower and upper house opposing this bill and I implore everyone else to do the same, they are clearly going limit your personal opinion.

[@Kwesekara1672]

Exactly what qualifies as ‘misinformation?’

[@JohnSmith-vu6zd]

Labor is there for one reason and one reason alone, to carry out WEF policy.

[@yasi4877]

The political arm of in AUS

[@lyndabignell9660]

Albo has been following Arderns playbook since he was elected. She told the kiwis that 'the government is your only source of information' during covid.

[@saltyaussie7702]

It ain't Arderns playbook. This is out off the UN/WEF playbook.

[@yasi4877]

@@saltyaussie7702 She went to NY to collect her medal from Larry and then took up a guest lecturer position in public policy at Harvard.

[@lyndabignell9660]

@@saltyaussie7702 true and Ardern is a young leader of wef. This has been planned for years.

[@leedoulman6027]

That’s right l remember that god this government China china

[@saltyaussie7702]

@@lyndabignell9660 decades in the planning. The long slow march through the institution's Yuri Bezmenov warned us in the 80's.

[@David-iy1zt]

Facts that I dont like are misinformation Lies I like are information.

[@johntinsley7563]

You can't prove a negative. It'll be the Stasi next.

[@NoChannelChannel]

Should be missing information bill

[@carolpountney7627]

We know who she will direct her “power” towards don’t we!? Just another way Labor will try to control their power in politics by tying the opposition up in “misinformation” scandals!

[@alanchilds1456]

Sounds like 1984's ministry of truth

[@philliphunt1579]

Exactly

[@outback109]

1984

[@ShaneMcGrath.]

UN article 19!

[@rogermckinnon5738]

A bit like their digital id, or their push for digital currency all about control

[@jazzysnaps]

Misinformation bill from Labor must be some sort of joke.

[@ozemale6t928]

People need to wake up. Under the Australian Constitution, you have only one specified right which is the right to choose your religion (Note is says choose, and not practice). Freedom of speech is recognised under the UDHR charter of the UN, but even state governments have legislation that diminishes the UDHR .

[@grahamfraser5938]

The Labor party is going the exact same direction as the criminal Democrat party of America. I now feel ashamed to admit that I used to vote Labor in the past. That is a mistake that I will never make again.

[@Grimpla]

Remove the dictators..

[@georgesutter2256]

When it comes to energy security, free speech, and gender equality, no better Elmer Fudd ,Casanova,grim goofy Jim and the mean girls.

[@typetersen8809]

Green-Labor's Michelle Rowland......Minister for Misinformation 😊😅😂

[@nicholaslindsay6456]

this minister is a fascist and an authoritarian

[@user-kr1zi7ck9g]

Heard her talk 🤬

[@Aaron-og2wx]

Man I'm starting to miss the pandemic!

[@user-kd6gr8mu8b]

This is a very significant issue and must be made highly visible to the Australian people. It appears there are potential dangers to our freedom of speech in this Bill and close scrutiny must be given to it.

[@jacquiemc1701]

And I will not have my speech taken from me by someone who thinks they can control what I say and think

[@davidbarnsley8486]

Well said jack ❤

[@mfp4136]

Then with this Bill, all Politicians can only communicate under oath at all time. If they get asked a question, they must answer the question truthfully or face significant fines.

[@foff3379]

Fact checkers cant censor these 🥊🥊🥊🥊

[@petertalbot7261]

This bill has more questions than answers and strikes fear in the hearts of those who value freedom of speech and freedom of the press and particularly investigative journalism which is vital. The bill is less Orwellian than Aldous Huxley with soft power manipulation of public and perhaps even privately held speech. Be warned.

[@Peter_Thorpe]

That's horrible

[@davidcruse6589]

We don't need it As we already have laws for that It why we have litigation laws They are for this very thing If you accuse or lie you liable by the courts system Then both parties are represented with lawyers for courts to decide They then rule on it and then set the appropriate penalties Otherwise why have litigation laws at all because you can't defend yourself

[@stephengreen3108]

Someone make a movie on 1984 for the modern setting.

[@ThatGuy-ze5kk]

dont need a movie, just watch the news!

[@elleeNopeNotToday1133]

How can we as Australian citizens get reforms, referendums and Bills looked at to make the changes the Public needs to see in place and in writing? We need something positive to happen for Australia and Australians in the right direction...UP!!!

[@vaunmalone3064]

How wonderful is SKY News Australia....😊

[@DrDungaz]

This has to be stopped

[@innocuous8356]

Well it would be much harder for another party to win government with this legislation!

[@steveburtenshaw1048]

I am concerned Albo go away!

[@ricshumack9134]

How are other countries supposed to react to Australian speech being censored on their behalf.

[@williamcrossan9333]

I voted independents first and minor parties, with the view that I wanted the Liberals and Scott Morrison gone. I must say, I'm genuinely shocked at how bad The Albanese Labor government has been.

[@rogermckinnon5738]

So you voted for Labor by voting Teal independents (who are basically made up of ex labor), thank you for giving us this government

[@craigparker4108]

You should have known. Albo is a career socialist & supported everything shorten wanted to introduce.

[@Greg-vq1fs]

You voted for ALP or Liberal as we have a faulty electoral system. They use the preferential voting system meaning if your vote 1 does not get 50% of vote your vote goes to the number 2 guy, then number 3 guy and so on till it goes to the candidate with the most votes. To ensure your vote never goes or ALP or Lib you fill in 85% of the ballot paper and leave the ALP and Lib candite blank, this way your vote is exhausted at the last number and can not go to ALP or Lib.

[@noquarter1437]

YOUR voting choices are why these turds got in

[@reneesmith5619]

@@Greg-vq1fs yes our electoral system needs an overall, it is definitely being manipulated and this needs to stop.

[@doneB830]

It’s labor and the liberals, we have a one party system.

[@mikeoz4803]

They take their orders from the WEF & U.N

[@andyman8630]

two sides of the same coin - mere tentacles of The Global Deep State

[@DavidWilliams-xv1ox]

Rowland must now RESIGN..job is now untenable

[@stpeterscooksriver1873]

This a remarkably thoughtful piece. I for one didn’t think of the horror of electing another party to power, who then find it is in their interest not to dismantle such an act. Vote Orwell, put him back on your bookshelf, better still, read, mark and inwardly digest.

[@wyattfamily8997]

"Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must first subdue the freeness of speech" Benjamin Franklin. It seems Labor are determined to continue with their dogmatic ideology and "protect" us from ourselves by deciding for us "what is truth" and is permitted. I wonder how many Australians feel comfortable relying on ANY Politicians version of what is truth.?

[@kimarmstrong1124]

We do not need this bill in any shape or form.

[@harrisoncastrikum29]

Wow, whats next hey?

[@pbier6507]

Oink oink!!!

[@marolynbriggs1878]

SCARY!!!! Love your comment "& they ( the labour government of the day) have the cognitive ability of a toddler!" Such accurate deduction!

[@sol3au]

This is right out of Orwell's 1984. The ministry of Truth. Horrible stuff. This must be stopped!

[@ce244]

And what is the definition of "misinformation " in the Act, seeing as how NO ONE can define it ?! 🤡

[@user-kr1zi7ck9g]

Can’t define what is a woman either 🥴

[@adamjones1115]

This creates a power that no government is worthy of. Especially not the intellectual coward Albo and Labor sycophants.

[@trespire]

Ministry of Truth ? 1984 is a cautionary tale, not a guide book.

[@josephwallis8965]

So saying Australian families will pay $257 less in electricity per year 97 times in public is not misinformation ?? So what is ??

[@sirdickyjack]

It's very disappointing that old mate can't see how people are upset at the obviously bad decision. Law or not, people deserve to be safe from weak laws.

[@Peekaboo-Kitty]

And who's going to determine what is "misinformation?" The Government no doubt! 🤣

[@unclebuck8558]

How do we even have a government trying to do this Why I have to ask why ??

[@BelloBudo007]

Hopefully this will go down as yet another Labor complete failure. However, as even the dumbest occasionally fluke a win, Australians need to be on their game when it comes to politicians, especially if they're on the Albo Team. They simply can not be trusted. It has become crystal clear that so many so called 'public servants', fail to see themselves serving anyone other than themselves and their mates. We the people come a distant last. And they're absolutely fine with that.

[@phil.s2245]

Dreyfuss spoke like a dictator. Do not interrupt me?

[@benstanway3238]

Misinformation aka the truth

[@sajjie8121]

Misinformation can be defined as: Any information that the Govt disagrees with. The 11th commandment is 'Thou shalt not criticize the Govt. ' Naughty people!

[@alanrainey5022]

So...... unless I need a laugh or want to cry, I won't be connecting to the internet.

[@carbonite1999]

how to fight the labor cartel , repeat what they don't want you to say ,or here's what's in the new bill NO THINKING ,NO TA;LKING,NO THINKING ABOUT TALKING . THERE IS not enough labor stooges to arrest everyone

[@JasonDBlundell]

Oh Labor! Was this always the plan? Total control of the citizens of Australia??

[@dukkman010]

He did apologise. Grub. Great presentation.

[@bettymarshall2702]

Jack Houghton is completely right!

[@RumperTumskin]

Why can't we have a referendum on a constitutional Bill of Rights?

[@lancegoodall5911]

Undermine freedom of speech? Isn’t that the purpose of the bill?

[@andrewst9797]

Brilliant argumentation!

[@johnjones6601]

Labor wolves dressed as lambs! This is the worst Gov't in Australia's history on every level. Unfortunately, even if they're booted after one term, the damage will have been done.