DEAR News Of The Area,

ON 14 November you published a letter from Ann Thompson decrying the proposed legislation on misinformation and disinformation.

I am not calling the contents bigotry – far from it, I thoroughly support George Brandis’.contention that everyone has the right to be a bigot.

What he did not say, is that people also have the right to suffer the consequences.

So too with free speech.

Legally we have no codified right to free speech, yet still through a mix of goodwill and common sense, we mostly have it.

But, and this is the most salient but, our right to free speech, even recognised by that nation of excess, the USA, we do not have the right to cry “fire!” in a crowded theatre.

That principle holds true for deliberately or even inadvertent misinformation and disinformation.

In the days when the principles of the Westminster system have been flouted so that people in positions of power or influence can lie and twist the truth for their own ends, and especially with social media, it is imperative we as a democratic society enforce the principles of truth, honesty and integrity on those unwilling to do so.

Ms Thompson cites a Nats senator not known for his progressive views, with nothing else to back her claims

ACMA is an independent government agency, therefore not under the direct operational control of any government.

Unfortunately, there are too many people willing to parrot the views of partisan players without checking on the facts themselves.

Regards,
Bill ROBINSON.