We strongly assert that the decision to allow only seven working days for public submissions on such a critical and complex piece of legislation is incompatible with the principles of transparent governance.  This extremely short process will exclude many voices and undermines the democratic principles of participation and inclusion.

The NSWCCL supports increased regulatory powers for holding digital platforms accountable and transparent, and agrees with the Bill's overall intent, however, we stand with our civil society colleagues in recommending amendments to improve public transparency and to amend the industry code-making process to give the regulator the power to set industry standards.

Regulating disinformation must be approached through a human rights framework to ensure that the fundamental rights of individuals are protected. The bill must be grounded in human rights principles because addressing disinformation requires balancing key rights, such as freedom of expression, the right to information, and the right to safety.

By incorporating a statutory review by an independent body like the Australian Human Rights Commission, we can provide greater oversight and ensure that the legislation strikes the right balance. This approach helps to protect against potential overreach, ensuring that regulation does not unduly infringe on freedoms while addressing the harms caused by disinformation.

Read our submission here.