Page introduces Bill on misleading political advertising
Ballina MP Don Page has introduced legislation into the NSW Parliament to make it an offence to engage in political advertising which is inaccurate and misleading to a material intent.
“Currently the laws that apply to business and individuals, which prohibit inaccurate and misleading advertising, do not apply to political parties or political candidates,” Mr Page said.
“I believe political advertising should meet similar standards of probity and honesty as commercial advertising under State and Commonwealth law.
“The law as it stands allows people to seek and obtain political power through political advertising that can be totally fraudulent.
“Given the importance of information provided to voters in determining their decision about voting, it is essential this information not be inaccurate and misleading to a material intent if the integrity of our political system is to be assured.”
Mr Page said similar legislation to this has been operating in South Australia since 1985.
“Specifically, the Bill would put in place penalties for a person who authorises the publication of an electoral advertisement if that advertisement contains a statement purporting to be a statement of fact that is inaccurate and misleading to a material intent,” he said.
The Bill also applies to Local Government.
Maximum penalties would be $110,000 if the offender is a political party or $11,000 for an individual.
Mr Page said the Electoral Commissioner would be the regulator. The Electoral Commissioner could:
1) request the advertiser withdraw the advertisement from further publication; and/or
2) request the advertiser to publish a retraction in specified terms.
“If the advertiser refuses the Electoral Commissioner’s request, the Commissioner can go to the Court to impose a fine up to the maximum. Accuracy and honesty are required of business and individuals in our society. I believe political parties and candidates should be held to the same standards,” Mr Page said.
Mr Page said a full copy of his parliamentary speech will be available on Hansard from today.
