Over recent years there has been a rise in fake news, harmful conspiracy theories, political bias in mainstream media, and the idea that to be balanced in reporting, an uninformed opinion should be given the same weight as concrete evidence. The phrase 'post truth world'  is now seen by many as a current reality.

This impacts the functioning and health of democracy, which in turn impacts elections and government decisions across all government departments, which in turn affects all of us .

If nothing changes or improves, then we will live in a declining and degraded democracy. But it doesn't have to be that way. 

There are choices that the current Australian government can make to take action and ensure that Australia has practical Truth in Media laws to lift the journalistic integrity of mainstream media, and repair the trust deficit in the 'fourth estate' (the press).  Regardless of where we are on the political spectrum, no one likes being lied to and we all want to be well informed when it comes to news and current affairs. This won't impede Freedom of Speech, but responsibility of speech will be more widely practiced. Broadcasters and publishers have the responsibility to be honest and truthful.

As the saying goes, 'A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes'. 

I am petitioning the Albanese government, and particularly the Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, to enact proactive Truth in Media laws that cover mainstream media.

What do proactive laws mean? It means laws that prevent lies being spread in the first place.

This isn't rocket science. It is Journalism 101.

For example ...

Publishing and broadcasting licences being dependent on corporations/organisations/businesses (who publish or broadcast in Australia) having written Truth in Media policies and procedures, employing fact checkers which cover news, current affairs, opinion writers etc. The Australian Communications and Media Authority can have more of a regulatory role to ensure compliance.

It is not the job of the Australian government to determine what is true. But there is an onus on the Australian government is ensure that democracy in Australia is as healthy as possible. If Scott Morrison can be censured for undermining democracy by having multiple secret ministries, then everything else that undermines democracy should be censured and dealt with too.

Michelle Rowland, please have the courage to enact Truth in Media laws that covers mainstream media.

Truth in Media matters, let's make it happen!