Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Communications) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Monday 28 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the reintroduction of legislation to prohibit materially misleading political advertising, a measure originally proposed by the government in the previous parliament. Independent members Zali Steggall and Kate Chaney argued that urgent action was required to implement guardrails against misinformation and deepfakes before the next election. They contended that political advertising should be subject to the same truth standards as consumer advertising to restore trust in democracy. Both speakers emphasised that the bill would not infringe on free speech, as it targeted false statements of fact rather than opinions. The motion for the second reading was moved and seconded, with calls for the government to pass the legislation without delay.

   Outcome: The motion for the second reading was moved by Steggall and seconded by Chaney.

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