In January 2023, the Minister for Communications announced that the Australian Government would introduce new laws to provide the independent regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), with new powers to combat online misinformation and disinformation.
Feedback on the proposed legislation was invited; see the consultation website here. Submissions closed on 20th August 2023.
AHPA participated in the consultation by:
- Attending a closed meeting with selected health experts to discuss the draft legislation on 27 July 2023. The meeting was attended by AHPA Director Glen Ramos.
- Providing a written submission that focused on the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2023 (Exposure Draft Bill) within the context of the infodemic and, specifically, in relation to proposed provisions and health promotion issues, and called for a comprehensive public health response. The submission was prepared by AHPA Director Glen Ramos and AHPA member Dr Becky White. Read the submission here.