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‘Misinformation Manipulates Voters’: Be wary of misinformation online leading up to the Indigenous voice referendum
Although it's unclear when exactly the vote will take place, Australia is planning to hold a referendum that could potentially enshrine a permanent First Nation voice in parliament. Even so, it hasn’t stopped misinformation from circulating online, which can potentially jeopardise the legitimacy of the process.
Last month, the Greens Senator Dorinda Cox told ABC radio that 60 per cent of those who participated in the regional dialogues that delivered the Uluru Statement from the Heart were non-Indigenous.
After the claim was disputed, a representative for Cox argued that the figure ‘may not be accurate’.
Back in 2017, then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his deputy Barnaby Joyce claimed that the voice would operate as a ‘third chamber’, effectively limiting the constitutional powers of the parliament. This, of course, drew criticism.
Be wary of misinformation! Source: The Australian
Eventually, they both admitted that they were wrong… But the false statements they made have a huge impact on discussions being made to this day. An article by the Guardian aptly stated ‘misinformation can manipulate voters’.
This referendum is different from the handful of others in our time. Australia has never attempted to constitutionally recognise First Nations peoples. So the stakes are high.
Australia's constitution currently does not recognise Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples' prior occupation and custodianship of their land.
If we look back, voting rights for Indigenous Australians have only been recognised since 1962.
The current draft wording released by the PM is: ‘Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?’
The proposed constitutional amendment is:
1. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to Parliament and the Executive Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
3. The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The proposal aims at a fairer, more informed Australian government.
In just about any referendum campaign, voters are exposed to information from a wide variety of sources including print and broadcast media, the internet, and social media platforms.
Information will come from political actors and private voices – former politicians, journalists, community leaders, and academic commentators. However, as targeted news and misinformation circulate, the ability of Australians to make an informed choice is at risk.
This referendum is unique and complex. Source: AFR
It can be difficult to discern which claims are accurate and this could ultimately lead to grim consequences. Misinformation can manipulate the voters’ understanding of the issues that the referendum question raises and affect the result.
Professor Anne Twomey previously explained how effective scare campaigns are in referendums are it is easy to ‘plant doubt’ and elicit a ‘no’ vote when the issue in question is complex.
In the lead-up to the referendum, members, we urge you to turn to multiple news sources for your information. Unfortunately, mainstream media has become sensationalist and is often influenced by financial supporters. You likely already know which radio stations, news channels, and newspapers lean left or right.
If we look over the pond to the United Kingdom, Brexit is the perfect example of the media manipulating voters. Many were taken by surprise when the United Kingdom voted to withdraw from the European Union.
Ultimately, no one should tell you what to vote for. Consider the information and vote with your gut and your heart. That’s what referendums are all about.
What are your thoughts about this referendum? Are you in favour of it? Would you prefer more information before making your choice? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Learn more about the referendum by watching the video below:
Source: 9News
Source: 9News
