In 'truth', this law is an attempt by government (through third parties) to control what they, the prevailing establishment/s in society, decide/s is 'true'. It will enable misinformation or disinformation that an establishment wants propagated as their 'truth' to be the only authorised 'truth'.
Take this example from the opinion/'truth' website Wikipedia on the flat earth theory:
- It is a historical myth that medieval Europeans generally thought the Earth was flat.[5] This myth was created in the 17th century by Protestants to argue against Catholic teachings.[6]
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That is, one religious group used the 'flat earth' allegation to take issue with a competing religious group. This is what humans have always done. 'Truth' and 'facts' are manipulated for purposes of power and oppression. The only way to limit this is to allow the broadest of human expression and challenge to existing 'truths'.
The beauty of Wikipedia is that almost anyone can put up an opinion on their 'truth'. Wikipedia allows competing opinions on 'truth' to flourish. But this law will surely suppress this feature of Wikipedia.
Self-Employed Australia has had experience with such 'truth' suppression. A member put up on their Facebook page a post we made commenting on the outcome of our Supreme Court action over hotel quarantine. Facebook had its 'truth police' sanction the member. Did Facebook's 'truth police' contact us to seek our perspective? No! The 'truth police' instead ran with a spin the Victorian government would have wanted.
This is what this 'truth' law will enforce-government/establishment-sanctioned 'truth', with civil and criminal penalties for breaches.
In addition to responding to the 'Fact Sheet' above we encourage you to express your 'truth' to your local federal MP and State Senators.
The most effective emails are those that are respectful, to the point and personal. A follow-up phone call to the member's office adds extra weight.
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You can find your local member's contact details through this parliamentary website. The search functions are good.
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