SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY IN THE SENATE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
LABOR SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

SENATOR THE HON DON FARRELL
SHADOW SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE
LABOR SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

SENATOR JENNY MCALLISTER
SHADOW CABINET SECRETARY
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE LABOR LEADER IN THE SENATE
LABOR SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES

 
LABOR ESTABLISHES INQUIRY INTO FOREIGN INTERFERENCE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
 

Labor has initiated a Select Committee on Foreign Interference through Social Media, to inquire into and report on the risk posed to Australia’s democracy by foreign interference through social media platforms – including Facebook, Twitter and WeChat.
 
The rise of ‘fake news’ and misinformation campaigns present a very real and present danger to democracy not only in Australia, but across the globe. We must protect our democracy from malicious foreign actors.  
 
This Committee will examine how social media can be used to undermine Australia’s democracy and values. It will look at potential responses to mitigate the risk of cyber-enabled foreign interference and misinformation.
 
The Committee will be chaired by Labor Senator Jenny McAllister, and will produce a final report by May 2022 and will hold hearings with policy experts over the coming months.
 
We all must continue to manage these threats and maintain confidence in our democracy and institutions.
 
THURSDAY, 5 DECEMBER 2019
 
MEDIA CONTACT: LEILA STENNETT (MCALLISTER) 0436 632 388