Gippsland › Latest news › Gippsland Portal Feature
Misinformation Bill insults Australians and undermines free speech says Russell Broadbent

Misinformation Bill insults Australians and undermines free speech says Russell Broadbent
Russell Broadbent believes that the government's Misinformation and Disinformation Bill insults Australians, undermining free speech. History shows 'misinformation' can later be true. We must hold the government accountable.
I have been long advocating for our human rights - especially our right to free speech. The government's Misinformation and Disinformation Bill is, in my opinion, an insult to Australians - not only is it dangerous and far reaching, but it implies that Australians can't think for themselves. As I said in the parliament last year - there have been countless cases throughout history where what was originally classed as misinformation was later proven to be true.
The Misinformation and Disinformation Bill insults Australians. It's dangerous, far-reaching, and implies Australians can't think for themselves. History shows 'misinformation' often proves true
Vaccine mandate concerns
Take the Covid pandemic, for example, in early 2022, the Rural Doctors Association attacked me for rejecting the mandating of Covid vaccines - a stance which was simply based on the principles of informed consent, bodily autonomy, and the right of Australians to make their own decisions about their health.
My position was labelled as 'misinformation', and my ethics were directly questioned by the RDA, media, and my colleagues. Many people I know were censored for their stance on covid vaccination or for simply questioning the government's narrative. But with the sheer number of excess deaths and vaccination injuries being reported now, it seems that the so-called 'safe and effective' catch cry was neither.
Misinformation concerns addressed
So, why isn't this classified as misinformation? If the vaccine worked so well, why do we have hundreds of thousands - possibly up to 2 million - Australians suffering with long covid? It just doesn't add up.
When the government is the sole arbiter of truth - and along with professional news outlets and educational institutions, excluded from the Bill's scrutiny - the risk of misinformation and disinformation is that much greater. Because, at the end of the day, no one is holding them to account. But I am. And you should too. That's justice as I see it.
Pictures from Russell Broadbent MP website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Darren Chester humbled by strong Gippsland support, vows to keep fighting for regional communities
Latrobe City Council releases Draft 2025/26 Budget, seeks community feedback on until 27 May 2025

One Gippsland congratulates re-electionist Darren Chester, calls for strong support and investment in Gippsland's future

Wellington Council upgrading Kilmany Resource Recovery Centre with alternative unloading, and road resealing for a month

Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on Engagement Policy and Strategy improvement until 23 May 2025

Baw Baw joins regional partnership delivering vital immunisation services across Casey, Cardinia and now Baw Baw communities

Coalition to tackle Gippsland road crisis with $1.36B road safety and infrastructure investment plan

New Morwell ambulance branch has opened, supporting over 60 paramedics with modern facilities and 24/7 emergency care

Coalition commits to modernising regional telecommunications with stronger service standards and $20B future fund

East Gippsland Council seeks federal support to protect and restore the Gippsland Lakes' environment, culture and visitor economy
