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The Albanese government is trying to censor debate via its Digital Duty of Care Bill, which would make the eSafety Commissioner the central regulator with significantly expanded powers to police what we say online.
The Bill contains broad definitions of “harm” and “misinformation” and gives the Minister for Communications and the eSafety Commissioner wide discretion.
For example, on pages 27-28 of the Bill’s Exposure Draft, clause 25C, sub-section (2), states that “the Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine material or conduct, or a combination of material and conduct, that the Minister is satisfied may cause serious harm”.
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About the author
Leith van Onselen is Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super. He is also a co-founder of MacroBusiness.
Leith has previously worked at the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury and Goldman Sachs.
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