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Have your say on threats to free speech warns from Albanese Labor government by 20 August 2023

Russell Broadbent, Monash MP, warns against Albanese Govt's info control law. ACMA decides 'misinfo,' exempting gov't. Threatens free speech, democracy. Act by Aug 20.

By news@gippsland - 17th August 2023 - Back to News

Hello. Russell Broadbent here - Member for Monash, I want to update you on the Albanese government's chilling new law aimed at combating so called misinformation and disinformation. This bill will give ACMA - the Australian Communications and Media Authority - the power to decide what is 'misinformation' and 'disinformation'.

Russell Broadbent reminds the community that the essential in Australian democracy is free speech counters misinformation. Reject government stance. Act now and sign petition

Government tech control

They will have the final say and the power to compel tech companies to keep records of people - people like you and me - who say the wrong thing as decided by the government of the day. The government will also determine the penalty or punishment. If that's not bad enough, the government will be exempt from their own rules, making the Albanese government the 'arbiters of truth'!

This Bill will allow for total government control and zero accountability. Even the tech giants Facebook and Twitter are worried, saying the Albanese government's Bill "could be abused" and also harm free speech.

The head of public policy from Meta (Facebook/Instagram) said these laws could be used to 'chill free and legitimate political expression online.' And top Australian lawyers are also alarmed saying it could be "easy to politicise (and) damaging to democracy".

Threat to free speech

Let me be clear - this Bill spells the end of freedom of expression in Australia. We've already seen horrendous censorship of doctors and others during the pandemic. Documents obtained (by Senator Antic) under Freedom of information show the Australian government were behind the censoring of over 4000 posts on social media during the covid era. Including posts about the vaccine not stopping transmission, the ineffectiveness of masking, lockdowns and more.

The hard-earned dollars of everyday Australians are being used to CENSOR everyday Australians. This is appalling! Free speech is an integral part of our Australian democracy and society - it's the best defence against misinformation. Don't let the Albanese government tell you otherwise. We're fast approaching the closing date for public submissions on August the 20th. Please have your say by signing the petition below and contacting your local MP to let them know your views. That's justice as I see it.

Pictures from Russell Broadbent MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Melina Bath demands the Allan government release a clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital Stages 2 and 3, warning delays leave healthcare workers overburdened and residents facing escalating patient demand.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to end delays and deliver the long-promised Cape to Cape Plan
  Pressure is growing on the Allan government to end years of delays and release the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan, ensuring urgent coastal protection and reflecting community feedback for Inverloch.
• Melina Bath blames Allan government as Victoria's public housing waitlist surges amid worsening housing crisis
  Victoria's housing crisis deepens as public housing waitlists surge past 60,000. Melina Bath blames the Allan government's inaction, rising taxes, and mismanagement for worsening homelessness and unaffordable rents across the state.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Wellington residents can safely dispose of recalled sand at Kilmany Transfer Station, free of charge
  Wellington residents can safely dispose of recalled sand at Kilmany Transfer Station for free, following safety guidelines, while refunds are managed by retailers including Officeworks, Kmart, and Educational Colours.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Darren Chester urges abandoning flawed legislation restricting medal reviews to actions within 20 years
  The Albanese government's proposed legislation limits medal appeals to 20 years, stripping veterans and families of rights. Darren Chester says the changes undermine the Defence Honours Tribunal's independence and disenfranchise ADF members.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Carbon Calculator Events for farm emissions, accounting, and carbon farming insights for farmers
  Attend the free Carbon Calculator Events on 28 October and 11 November 2025 in Traralgon to learn carbon farming, accounting, and estimate your farm's emissions footprint. Registration required.
• Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
  Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities.
• Entries close for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar showcasing iconic scenes across Gippsland
  Entries have closed for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar, with 344 stunning photos submitted capturing Gippsland's iconic landscapes. Winners will feature in the free 2026 calendar, distributed later this year.
• Lifeline Workshop in Warragul Library: Understanding and Preventing Family Violence for community awareness and safety
  Free two‑hour session at Lifeline, held at MYLI Warragul on 25 Nov 2025 from 1‑3 pm, aims to build awareness, understanding and practical strategies to prevent family violence.
• Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
  Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions.
• Enhancing farm dams: Learn from experts at Wilandra Farms Field Day in Clydebank on 26 November 2025
  Join WGCMA's free field day at Wilandra Farms, Clydebank, on 26 November to learn from ANU ecologists about enhancing farm dams for biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience.
• Darren Chester and Martin Cameron launch petition urging action on long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass project
  Darren Chester and Martin Cameron have launched a community petition urging state and federal governments to prioritise funding and design work for the long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass to ease congestion.
• Neerim Artsfest 2026 celebrates sculptural art, culture, and creativity in Neerim South from 28 February to 15 March
  Neerim South hosts the free 2026 Artsfest from 28 February-15 March, showcasing spectacular sculptures, local culture, scenic walks, parks, markets, food, drinks, and creative experiences near Melbourne.