The MAD Bill

Labor's Orwellian 'Misinformation and Disinformation (MAD) Bill' has hit the parliament and there's a great deal to be concerned about.

It basically grants the Government a license to impose its version of truth on platforms that are currently outside of its control. To most, that means social media platforms like X, but the censorship goes much further than that.

The mechanics of the Bill have been widely discussed online, but this speech by former Liberal (now independent) Russell Broadbent neatly sums up many concerns.

It's a terrible piece of legislation and I am sure the Coalition will end up opposing it.

However, that position by the alternative government should give none of us comfort. It's still likely the Bill will pass in one form or another with the help of the Greens and the cross-bench totalitarians.

Registering your unease with the proposal with the Senators who have the capacity to defeat the Bill is well worth your time. (You can find the Lambie, Pocock and other cross-bench Senators contact details online).

I hope it makes a difference, however short-lived that may be.

You see, the problem with politics today isn't a random MAD Bill. It's the entire ethos underpinning the major political forces.

You see, while I expect the Coalition to oppose the MAD Bill, the leadership team support the concept of censoring free speech on the Internet.

They were the original proponents of a MAD Bill and any objections to this one will be based on technicalities.

Here's Opposition Leader Peter Dutton:

His latest comments are hot on the heels of his support for the position of eKaren Safety Commissioner.