By Tess Ikonomou in Canberra
A MAJORITY of Australians who voted down the indigenous Voice to parliament referendum back putting in place truth in political advertising laws in time for the next federal election.
The Australia Institute surveyed voters about the voice referendum and misinformation after the polls closed last Saturday.
It found both those who voted ‘yes’ (92 per cent) and ‘no’ (83 per cent) agreed that truth in political advertising should be legislated before the next election campaign kicks off.
Seven in 10 respondents said they were concerned about misinformation on social media in the lead up to the Voice referendum.
Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss said it shouldn’t be legal to lie in a political ad.
“Misinformation and disinformation swamped the referendum campaign with arguments that often had little to do with what Australians were being asked to vote on,” Dr Denniss said.
“Whether it is an election or a referendum, voters should go to the polls armed with the facts.”
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