Dishonest political campaign advertisements – like those falsely claiming a party will introduce a new tax or cut a government service – could be outlawed in time for next year’s NSW election, if a new petition is successful.
The petition to the Legislative Assembly is calling on the NSW Parliament to implement truth in political advertising laws, like those already in place in South Australia.
If the petition reaches 20,000 signatures from NSW residents, MPs will debate the issue in Parliament – opening the door for reforms to be introduced before the next state election, due in March next year.
The petition is an initiative of NSW resident Michelle Millner and The Australia Institute, with independent MLA Jacqui Scruby as its parliamentary sponsor.
Key details:
- 89% of NSW residents support truth in political advertising laws
- Truth in political advertising laws have existed in South Australia for 40 years
- If the petition attracts 20,000 signatures from NSW residents, politicians are required to debate the topic in the NSW Parliament
- The next NSW state election is due on 13 March 2027
“Truth in political advertising is vital to restoring public trust that has been greatly eroded. Without laws around this our democracy is broken,” said lead petitioner Michelle Millner.
“There’s no place for misinformation in politics, particularly at a time when trust in our democratic system is critically low and highly polarised,” said Jacqui Scruby, Independent MP for Pittwater.
“Election campaigns should be a contest of ideas, where good policy rises to the top, not a race to the bottom driven by rage bait, scare tactics and misleading claims. NSW recently passed laws limiting digital deepfake abuse but reform has not gone far enough. South Australia has proven what’s possible and NSW should follow its lead. It’s time for truth in political advertising in NSW.”
“With so much misinformation and “alternative facts” being shared so far and wide, including through AI, it is critical for our democracy that we urgently implement truth in political advertising laws,” said Alex Greenwich, Independent MP for Sydney.
“With the emergence of AI, the risk of misinformation spreading is at an all-time high, especially with an election on the horizon. People simply don’t know what to believe. This erodes trust in politics and, if left unchecked, it ultimately undermines our democracy,” said Kobi Shetty, MP for Balmain and Greens Spokesperson on Democracy.
“If we want to rebuild community trust we need to legislate for truth in political advertising . The Greens are ready to work with the government to get this done.”
“Now more than ever, it is vitally important that political advertising is factually correct and accurate, especially more-so with the rise of AI. If we want to ensure public confidence and trust in our democracy this begins by ensuring that political advertising is honest. How can you trust a candidate or party who deliberately spreads misinformation and lies?” said Phil Donato, Independent MP for Orange.
“Honesty and integrity are essential to democracy and at a time when truth can be threatened and trust can be undermined, we must do what we can to protect both,” said Dr Joe McGirr, Independent MP for Wagga Wagga.
“Applying the highest standards of accountability and transparency to our to political representatives, political leaders and their parties is one way of doing that. I’m proud to support this petition and urge anyone who wants to hear the truth in political advertising to add their name to it.”
“Truth in political advertising laws have transformed campaigning in South Australia, leading political party directors to scrutinise all political ads for accuracy,” said Bill Browne, Director of The Australia Institute’s Democracy & Accountability Program.
“NSW voters are entitled to the same standard of rigour and honesty, but currently there is no guarantee they will get it. Trust in politics is already low. Allowing politicians to knowingly spread falsehoods during election campaigns is indefensible.”
