PIJI has made a written submission to the inquiry into the communications legislation amendment (combatting misinformation and disinformation bill) by the Senate’s environment and communications legislation committee

PIJI welcomed the amendments to the Bill that have moved in the direction of its recommendations, including additional clarity in the definition of misinformation; amendments to definition of serious harm; and the mandated review of the operation law’s operation.

PIJI’s recommendations were the following:

1. Amend Section 16(2)(iv) to include all relevant codes registered with ACMA, Fair Work Australia and

any other statutory body with the power to regulate registered organizations.

2. Require that each person seeking classification for excluded dissemination under Section 16 has a

publicly available, easily accessible method of receiving external complaints.

3. More clearly define the limits, oversight and human rights protections to which the exercise of

ACMA’s powers will be subject.

4. Require a review of the operation of the Bill no later than two years after Commencement,

retaining the subsequent reviews at three-year intervals.

You can read PIJI’s full written submission here: