Submission into the Communications Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
FECCA’s submission to the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2023 emphasises the need for greater protections for multicultural communities, who are disproportionately affected by misinformation and disinformation. With the rise of digital platforms as a primary source of information, many multicultural Australians, particularly newly arrived migrants and refugees, face additional challenges such as limited digital literacy and language barriers. The submission highlights how misinformation, particularly poor translations of important public health and safety messages lead to serious harm, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. FECCA recommends that the Bill explicitly include poor translations under the definition of harmful misinformation and advocates for coordination between the Australian Communications and Media Authority and the National Anti-Racism Framework to better address racial and ethnic harm in digital spaces.
In addition, FECCA stresses the importance of considering intersectionality in the legislation, recognising that individuals’ experiences with misinformation are shaped not only by their cultural and linguistic backgrounds but also by other identity markers such as age, gender, and socio-economic status. The submission calls for culturally informed, in-language education on misinformation, ensuring that all Australians, regardless of their background, have access to accurate and trustworthy information. By improving digital literacy and providing tailored resources, FECCA believes that the Bill can better protect vulnerable communities from the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and informed society.
