The Australian Conservation Foundation has welcomed a landmark Senate report into climate disinformation, warning lies are already harming communities and demanding tougher action to stop falsehoods derailing climate progress.
ACF Director of Engagement Jane Gardner, who wrote a submission and appeared before the inquiry, said Australians are grappling with a ‘runaway train’ of AI slop and malicious lies designed to delay progress.
“Disinformation has serious real-world impacts,” Ms Gardner said. “This inquiry made that clear. We’re seeing it turn neighbour against neighbour in renewable energy regions, create confusion during emergencies and erode trust in the information people rely on.
“The fact is: Australia’s clean energy future depends on the truth.”
The Senate Select Committee report recognises the growing harms of disinformation and recommends greater transparency of political and campaign activity, tighter oversight and reporting of digital platforms and improved monitoring of hidden influence networks.
ACF said the report stopped short of recommending the stronger reforms needed to fully address the threat.
“This is an important first step, but we need to go further,” Ms Gardner said.
“Australia needs truth in political advertising laws and real consequences for those who deliberately spread harmful disinformation. Australians deserve accurate and truthful information to make decisions about their future, including at the ballot box. Lying in political advertising should not be legal in a modern democracy.”
ACF’s submission to the inquiry called for:
- A national inquiry into the full impacts of disinformation on communities and democracy
- Stronger accountability for social media platforms
- Truth in political advertising laws
- Investigation into coordinated disinformation networks and their funding
Ms Gardner said social media companies must be held accountable for their role in amplifying false information.
“Social media giants profit from outrage and amplifying falsehoods. Self-regulation is failing. These are some of the most powerful companies in the world and they need to take responsibility for their role in democratic society.”
Ms Gardner thanked the Australian Greens and Senator Peter Whish-Wilson for initiating the inquiry and bringing national attention to the issue.
“This inquiry has laid important groundwork; now we need tangible, enforceable action.
“Protecting Australians’ right to clear, factual information is essential to protecting our democracy and tackling the climate crisis.”
