We all got so many of those dreadful and intrusive Trumpet of Patriots SMS messages during the recent federal election, and each one felt more invasive than the last. We know we’re not alone in feeling bombarded by these unsolicited political messages. As Australians, we value our privacy and our right to choose what content we receive on our phone.

These messages often arrive at inconvenient times, interrupting daily life, and are often crafted in a manner that is more about manipulating emotions than providing any real value or information about political candidates or issues. In the age of digital communication, it's become all too easy for political organisations to blanket the populace with their messaging, with little regard for individual privacy or preferences.

It's time we addressed this issue by putting in place stricter regulations concerning political text messaging during elections. Other countries have guidelines and systems in place that prevent such spam without infringing on legitimate political discourse. For example, the USA’s 'Do Not Call' Registry empowers users to block unwanted communications, while Canada has similar protections with its "Do Not Disturb" list.

Australia deserves its own protective measures against the blitzkrieg of political spam. By introducing legislation that makes it compulsory for political parties to seek explicit consent before sending messages, we can ensure Australians are not involuntarily drawn into political theater while preserving their rights to engage at their discretion.

Moreover, enforcing transparency about who is funding these messages, and providing a simple opt-out mechanism, can contribute immensely towards a healthier political environment.

Join us in petitioning our politicians to consider these changes. Those SMS  messages are a violation of our privacy and a distraction from meaningful political engagement. Let's urge our government to legislate against this intrusive practice. Sign the petition to help Australian voters reclaim their peace and control over their personal communication channels.