The Australian Government has withdrawn its anti-disinformation bill due to Senate opposition.
The bill would have allowed the Australian Communications and Media Authority to enforce a code of conduct on online platforms, and fine these platforms up to 5% of their global revenue if they fell short.
“Based on public statements and engagements with senators, it is clear that there is no pathway to legislate this proposal through the Senate,” said Communications Minister Michelle Rowland on Sunday.
“The Government invites all Parliamentarians to work with us on other proposals to strengthen democratic institutions and keep Australians safe online, while safeguarding values like freedom of expression,” Rowland said. “It is incumbent on democracies to grapple with these challenges in a way that puts the interests of citizens first.”
The legislation was opposed by the Coalition, the Greens, and several Independent senators.
The bill had already been re-drafted to win greater support. The Australian Human Rights Commission said last month that “although there have been improvements to the bill, freedom of expression is not sufficiently protected”.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said yesterday that the bill “was with all good intent”, but “badly and poorly explained and implemented. The practical implementation was just not there.”
A bill to restrict gambling advertisements will also not be introduced in the government’s last sitting week this year. The proposal was first recommended in a June 2023 report chaired by late Labor MP Peta Murphy.
The government is set to introduce a social media ban for children under 16, with a report due on Tuesday. The legislation is expected to pass before the end of the year.