After the Voice, truth and electoral reform is needed

The will of the people should be the bedrock of democracy, not the wishes of tycoons and magnates who only have their own interests at heart.

In the aftermath of the Voice of Parliament referendum, an issue has come to the forefront of public discourse in Australia – the dire need for comprehensive electoral funding reform and a revamping of campaign ethics. The referendum, which aimed to address Indigenous representation through the establishment of a constitutional advisory body, brought to light some concerning aspects of the Australian electoral landscape. The campaign leading up to the referendum was marred by misinformation, lies, and an alarming lack of accountability. The names of prominent politicians like Peter Dutton, Warren Mundine, and Jacinta Price became synonymous with a continuous barrage of falsehoods, leaving many citizens bewildered and distressed.

The inadequacies of the existing system extend beyond the referendum. The proliferation of unverified information and vitriolic content on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok has further complicated the electoral landscape. The influence of wealthy individuals, such as Clive Palmer and Gina Rinehart, who can pour vast sums of money into campaigns, raises questions about the fundamental principles of democracy. In a true democratic society, elections should be determined by the quality of influence and informed decision-making, not the depth of one’s pockets. The alarmingly unchecked use of misinformation and financial power to sway elections is a significant concern that cannot be ignored.

In light of these challenges, it becomes apparent that campaign reform and electoral funding reform are essential for the integrity of Australia’s democratic process. These reforms should have been prioritised by the Albanese government when it took office in May 2022. The 2019 federal election provides a stark example of the damage that can be inflicted by misleading campaigns, where the Labor Party suffered significant setbacks due to a campaign rife with misinformation regarding franking credits and negative gearing. If the lessons from 2019 are not heeded, the consequences could be even more damaging, as evidenced by the disarray surrounding the Voice of Parliament referendum campaign.

The disturbing tactics employed in the Voice of Parliament referendum are a harbinger of what may unfold in the next federal election if these issues remain unaddressed. This state of affairs is not in the public interest, and it underscores the urgency of electoral funding reform. The current situation demonstrates that the potential for dishonesty and manipulation exists on both sides of the political spectrum and all it takes is a change in leadership or a subtle shift in political philosophy to enable a party to resort to deceitful strategies in pursuit of power. It is disheartening to witness electoral campaigns fueled by falsehoods and the deliberate deception perpetuated by certain interest groups.

An argument against legislating “truth in advertising” suggests that campaign promises might genuinely reflect the candidate’s intent until unforeseen circumstances arise. However, in the case of the Voice of Parliament referendum, the deception was unmistakable. The referendum was not about the alarmist claims put forward by its detractors, such as transferring home ownership, fulfilling a UN mandate, or providing lower taxation rates for Indigenous people. It was, at its core, the establishment of an advisory body enshrined in the constitution. The distortion of these facts by opponents only serves to confuse the electorate and undermine the democratic process.

Notably, the Albanese government’s recognition of the value of the Voice to Parliament and the Uluru Statement from the Heart, despite its origins during the time the Liberal–National Coalition was in office, was a commendable act. It showed a willingness to expend political capital on Indigenous policy, an uncommon occurrence in Australian politics. The heartbreaking reality is that the “no” campaign failed to provide coherent and valid arguments and their rallying cry, “if you don’t know, vote no,” was a feeble and embarrassing slogan that did a disservice to the electorate and the democratic process as a whole. But, it worked.

Challenges in reforming electoral advertising

The divisive and deceptive nature of the “No” campaign underscores a larger issue in Australian politics. While some might argue that such campaigns can be effective in achieving political goals – for either side of politics – they undoubtedly harm the democratic process by perpetuating lies, misinformation, and toxic political behaviour. It is alarming how the campaign appeared to align with a classic conservative strategy, capitalising on people’s prejudices and their susceptibility to manipulation. This is not a new phenomenon; it is a recurring pattern reminiscent of the U.S. Republican playbook, where fact-checking and truth are always optional.

The gravity of this issue has not gone unnoticed. In response to the proliferation of falsehoods in political advertising, there has been a call for reform. Independent MP Zali Steggall’s “Stop the Lies” Bill, presented in Parliament, seeks to regulate against misleading and deceptive advertising in elections and referenda. The Bill aims to ensure fact-based and respectful debates, safeguarding the democratic process. During a parliamentary session in November 2022, Zali Steggall brought this issue to the forefront by questioning Prime Minister Albanese about the need for such legislation.

Albanese acknowledged the importance of truth in political advertising and expressed his shared concern with Steggall about the misinformation circulating, especially concerning the referendum on constitutional recognition of First Nations people. Albanese emphasised the significance of maintaining a fact-based approach to debates and elections, recognising the need for truth in what is presented to the Australian people.

While it is promising to see political figures like Steggall and Prime Minister Albanese acknowledge the problem, the issue of truth in political advertising remains unresolved. It is noteworthy that a year has passed since this discussion took place, and legislative changes have yet to be enacted to address the proliferation of false information in campaigns. The delay in taking action raises concerns about the timeliness and effectiveness of such regulations in combatting misinformation.

Legislating against deceptive practices in political advertising is a complex endeavour, especially in the era of social media, where information spreads rapidly and often without accountability. While Steggall’s Bill covers political entities and significant third parties, the ability to circumvent regulations and checks remains a challenge. Enforcing these regulations presents a dilemma as well – who should oversee the implementation of truth in advertising? Moreover, what sanctions should be imposed in cases of misinformation, and how quickly can corrective actions be taken?

A notable historical example of misleading information’s lasting impact is the “children overboard” incident leading up to the 2001 federal election, where Liberal Party Minister Peter Reith claimed asylum seekers had thrown their children into the ocean to save themselves. It took months after the election to expose the lies behind the incident, demonstrating that it is nearly impossible to prevent false narratives in the heat of a campaign. This example highlights the inherent difficulties in legislating against deceptive political behaviour, as there will always be individuals who find loopholes and alternative ways to disseminate misinformation.

The recurring cycle of political figures resorting to lies and manipulation raises concerns about the quality of political discourse and leadership in Australia. Reith, known for his untrustworthiness, died with a legacy of dishonesty that hindered constructive policy-making. The lack of principled politicians and the prevalence of small-minded, short-sighted tactics impede the growth of political parties and the overall political landscape.

The urgent need for funding reform

While the issue of truth in political advertising is pressing, it is only one facet of a broader concern: electoral funding reform. This crucial matter is often overshadowed but must not be neglected. Over the past two elections, the influence of wealthy individuals like Clive Palmer and Gina Rinehart on Australian politics has raised serious questions about the state of electoral funding in the country.

Clive Palmer, for instance, has emerged as a significant player by pouring millions into the United Australia Party’s electoral campaigns. In the 2019 federal election, Palmer invested $87 million with a clear objective – to thwart the Labor Party’s chances and relentlessly target Bill Shorten on social media. While his party failed to secure any seats in that Parliament, the mission was accomplished, as the election outcome ultimately prevented Labor from assuming office. This reveals how large financial contributions can significantly shape the electoral landscape and influence public perception.

Gina Rinehart, too, leverages her wealth to impact Australian politics. She often donates to third-party entities that, in turn, contribute to the Liberal Party. Her recent financial support for the “no” campaign in the Voice of Parliament referendum underscores the broader issue of electoral funding reform. Unfortunately, the full extent of these contributions remains undisclosed to the public until 1 July 2024, when donation details are made available to the public.

Two fundamental reforms are needed to address this issue comprehensively: real-time donation disclosure and a reduction in the threshold for anonymous donations. Currently, the threshold for anonymous donations stands at $16,300, a level that allows substantial sums of money to flow into political coffers without immediate public scrutiny. In a digital age where real-time acknowledgment of contributions is feasible through platforms like GoFundMe, there is no reason why political parties cannot embrace similar transparency.

To safeguard the integrity of Australia’s electoral system, it is essential for the Labor government to prioritise the public interest by initiating substantial reforms. Continuing with the status quo would mean perpetuating a system that has allowed the proliferation of misinformation and undue influence, as evidenced in the Voice of Parliament campaign.

In this critical juncture, the Labor Party must collaborate with other political entities, such as the Australian Greens, independent Senators such like David Pocock, Jacqui Lambie, or Lidia Thorpe, to drive through these much-needed reforms. The urgency cannot be overstated. Failing to address the issues of electoral funding and truth in political advertising would have severe consequences for Australian democracy. It could pave the way for more divisive, misleading, and harmful campaigns, similar to what was witnessed during the Voice of Parliament referendum.

The time for action is now, as democracy itself is at stake. Electoral funding reform is not just about political donations but about preserving the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. The people of Australia deserve a transparent, accountable, and equitable system that ensures their voices are heard, and their choices are informed by facts, not misleading narratives. The government must seize this moment to implement change and lead the nation toward a more robust and vibrant democratic future.

Comprehensive reforms for a better democracy

The imperative of electoral funding reform is part of a broader set of changes needed to revitalise Australia’s democracy. Our country is at a crossroads, where political decisions have far-reaching implications, and we can no longer afford to perpetuate a broken system. The situation demands comprehensive solutions encompassing not only electoral funding but also media reform, public education, and a renewed commitment to the principles of transparent, accountable governance.

First and foremost, we must address the problem of media reform. A vibrant democracy relies on a strong and independent media that holds those in power accountable and informs the public with unbiased, well-researched reporting. Unfortunately, Australia’s media landscape has been marred by sensationalism, partisanship, and misinformation. The media should not be a fourth-rate platform run by fifth-rate or sixth-rate actors. Instead, it should be a beacon of reliable information and responsible journalism. A vibrant media landscape is crucial for a functioning democracy, and measures to restore the media’s role as a watchdog and an educator are essential.

Electoral advertising spending limits are another vital aspect of reform. The current system allows excessive spending on advertising, opening the door to third-party entities like Clive Palmer and Gina Rinehart, who can wield undue influence. Implementing reasonable spending limits can level the playing field and ensure that campaigns are based on facts, not falsehoods. In an ideal scenario, all political donations should be prohibited, eradicating the problem of political advertising by parties affiliated with other entities.

This proposition could significantly reduce the influence of media organisations that have a stake in political outcomes. Such a change would necessitate a critical look at media ownership and concentration of power, ensuring that no single entity can disproportionately shape public opinion. This, in turn, would safeguard the integrity of the democratic process by reducing the risk of media bias or misinformation.

Moreover, political campaigns should be based on facts, with interpretations and policy proposals open to debate. The practice of disseminating false or misleading information must have no place in a healthy democracy. Campaigns should be sober, measured, and sensible, engaging the electorate with reasoned debates rather than resorting to divisive tactics that undermine the public’s trust in politics.

Education reform is equally vital. We cannot afford to have citizens with limited understanding of how their country operates, what policies affect their lives, and how to evaluate the information they receive. The foundation of any functional democracy is an informed and engaged citizenry and, to this end, we must overhaul our education departments to empower students with the tools to think critically and form their own opinions.

Our education system should train effective, efficient, and informed citizens who actively participate in shaping their country’s future. Rather than molding opinions, it should provide the means for individuals to assess, analyse, and comprehend the complexities of public issues. In this way, education becomes a cornerstone of democratic renewal, equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills required for meaningful civic engagement.

The imperative of electoral reform is a vital step toward revitalising Australian democracy. However, it is only part of the comprehensive reforms required to create a better future for our country. Addressing media reform, electoral spending limits, education reform, and fostering a culture of informed citizenship are all integral components of a democracy that works for the people, guided by facts, transparency, and accountability. It is time for Australia to embark on this journey of renewal, guided by the fundamental belief that the will of the people should be the bedrock of our democratic system, not the wishes media tycoons and mining magnates who only have their own interests at heart.