Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) the spread of misinformation on social media during the recent bushfires, particularly posts that exaggerated the number of bushfires started by arsonists,

(ii) the analysis undertaken by Queensland University of Technology academics that found that a significant amount of social media activity that exaggerated the number of bushfires started by arsonists was indicative of highly automated and inauthentic behaviour, which suggests the existence of a concerted campaign,

(iii) that the spread of such misinformation during the bushfires crisis is highly irresponsible; makes it more difficult for bushfire affected communities to obtain accurate information; makes it more difficult for bushfire affected communities to respond in a timely and safe manner to fires; and demonstrates a callous indifference to the hardship and grief being experienced by bushfire-affected communities; and

(b) acknowledges the importance of:

(i) the accurate reporting of bushfires; and

(ii) the public being able to trust information sources during a state of emergency.

Question agreed to.