Australian Electoral Commission Says It Does Not Want Power to Regulate Political Messages

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has said it does not want the power to regulate the messaging of political candidates due to the impact it would have on people’s trust. During a recent Senate inquiry hearing, AEC’s representatives were questioned about their views on the Misinformation Bill and the issue that political messages could be considered dis- and misinformation. In response, AEC Electoral Commissioner Tom Roger said the agency currently did not have the power to regulate political content, or determine the truth of statements given by candidates. “Not only have we not got that power. We don’t want that power either for a whole range of reasons,” he said....