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.