Luke is joined by David Coleman, Shadow Minister for Communications, to discuss Labor’s dodgy mobile black spot programme, whereby Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland personally chose funding recipients.

Despite Labor representing only 1/3 of regional electorates, 74% of funding went to Labor electorates, rising to 100% in New South Wales and Victoria. An audit is underway due to concerns about political favouritism.

Also discussed is the federal Government’s “misinformation bill,” which the Coalition strongly opposes.

The bill grants the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) extensive powers and could lead digital companies to self-censor out of fear of fines.

Mr Coleman argues the bill suppresses free speech, pointing out inconsistencies such as authorised content by the Albanese Government not being misinformation, while criticisms by ordinary Australians could be deemed misinformation.

Similarly, academic statements are exempt, but disagreements with academics could be labelled misinformation. The bill could also result in removing content from journalists’ personal digital platforms, raising concerns about its impact on free speech and its compatibility with Australian values.

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