No, The Voice Didn't Fail Because of Misinformation. (Quillette)

The 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum failed, according to “Yes” advocates, due to misinformation. Figures like Marcia Langton and Noel Pearson cited false claims as key factors, though dissent was often dismissed. The Guardian labeled concerns about the Voice’s legal risks as "misinformation," yet opinions cannot be held to the same factual standards as empirical claims.

The term "misinformation" is increasingly weaponized beyond politics. Academics and government officials, like Chris Bowen, have used it to stifle debate. For example, critiques of gender identity concepts or nuclear energy policies have been dismissed as misinformation.

While misinformation is indeed a problem, it’s dangerous for governments to regulate truth. The Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation Bill proposes to do this, giving the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) the power to regulate online content. Critics argue this will lead to censorship and a chilling effect on free speech, as platforms lack expertise to judge content fairly.

The Bill’s timing, following the referendum defeat, suggests it’s part of the government’s grieving process. Rather than accepting the shift in public discourse, the government is in denial and anger, trying to regain control through legislation that redefines public debate.

Claire Lehmann reads her latest article in The Australian:



[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, October 1, 2024.]