Similar laws have existed in South Australia since 1985 and the ACT government this year banned false political advertising. Politicians in the territory were motivated by two recent federal election issues – Labor's"Mediscare"campaign and the Coalition's"death tax"warning – that are widely accepted to be untrue or,at best,misleading.
The committee,chaired by Labor MP Lee Tarlamis,may recommend in a report to the government that laws to ban misleading advertising in Victoria be drafted. Draft laws have not yet been proposed.
Politicians and regulators worldwide are investigating ways to stop misinformation being spread on social media,as more people turn to social platforms for news and other information.
The state Labor Party,Victoria's peak union body and the Centre for Public Integrity have welcomed truth laws being examined. Radio and TV industry bodies are less enthusiastic and say political parties,not broadcasters,should be liable for misleading advertisements.
Appearing at the inquiry,Victorian Liberal Party state director Sam McQuestin cautioned against the potential reforms,saying the laws could be used during election campaigns to"stifle debate and political communication in an increasingly litigious environment".
"Of course the Liberal Party supports a respectful and informed political debate … but a major issue with the new law that requires truth in political advertising is that it would not practically address the issue and would not … stop disinformation campaigns,"he said.