As voters prepare to go to the polls in local government elections across NSW this Saturday, Law Society President Brett McGrath has issued a warning about the risks of misinformation.
He says being aware of the tactics aimed at misleading those headed to the ballot box, is the best safeguard against interference.
“Disinformation and misinformation undermine the integrity of the democratic process, and risk distorting election outcomes,’ says McGrath.
“These campaigns can be amplified by the rapid spread of viral social media posts.”
McGrath says such campaigns are affecting democracies across the world, and their pervasiveness and sophistication highlights the need for vigilance in Australia.
“In recent days the United States Department of Justice revealed a major campaign by agents of the Russian Federation which sought to influence the 2024 US Presidential Election,” says McGrath.
He says being able to identify suspect information is key.
“The worst effects of such election interference here can be reduced by arming our citizenry with the tools top recognise suspect election material,” says McGrath.
“The Law Society is encouraged by the NSW Government’s (recent) announcement … that civics and citizenship content in NSW primary schools will be required learning for students.”
McGrath has also welcomed measures taken by the NSW Electoral Commission to combat the problem but has reiterated the Law Society’s call for legislation on truth in political advertising.
Meanwhile, the Law Society has made a submission to the NSW parliamentary inquiry into voter engagement, participation and confidence.
The submission commends the NSW Electoral Commission for ensuring high enrolment and turnout rates.
But it calls for funding for digital modernisation, ahead of the next NSW election in 2027.
It also warns that unpaid fines for failing to vote may be having a disproportionate impact on Indigenous communities in regional, rural, and remote areas.
“Significant hardship can result from unpaid fines, including licence disqualification and imprisonment,” says the submission.
“It may therefore be appropriate to review penalties for failing to vote in order to consider whether any modifications could be made to reduce the hardship experienced by those who receive a fine, without undermining the general effectiveness of the current system in terms of voter turn-out.”