For the record, I agree with the Committee report and recommendations.
However, I would like to have the following comments recorded as additional comments.
1. Independent Panel
I support the establishment of an Independent Panel as the ‘structure or mechanism’ recommended in Recommendation 2.
Many witnesses (e.g. Appleby, Kildea) suggested an Independent Panel be appointed, to determine the wording of the referendum question, to ensure that clear, factual and impartial information is made accessible and to address misinformation during the lead-up to the referendum.
2. Financial disclosure
In relation to the referendum and in line with community expectations, I would support a more transparent financial disclosure recommendation, with more immediate (e.g. within 28 days) disclosure of donations above $1,000.
The Bill creates financial disclosure requirements in line with Part XX of the Electoral Act, with a threshold of $15,200 and delayed annual disclosure. Every State and Territory has lower thresholds and more immediate disclosure than the Commonwealth.
While the reduction in disclosure to $1,000 creates additional obligations on entities that are supporting either campaign, it is appropriate to ensure that voters know who is funding each campaign before they vote.
3. Truth in political advertising
Witnesses shared significant concerns about the potential for misinformation to affect the referendum process. The separate inquiry into the 2022 federal election is considering recommendations to support truth in political advertising. Given proposed timing, establishing a broader truth in political advertising regime before the referendum is unrealistic.
Establishing an Independent Panel to fact-check information disseminated in the referendum would partially address this issue within the timing constraints.
Kate Chaney MP
Federal Member for Curtin