Australia’s historic Voice to Parliament referendum is facing a significant challenge as disinformation and racist narratives spread online, impacting the public sentiment towards the Yes campaign. The referendum, set to be held on 14 October, aims to change the country’s constitution and establish a body that advises the government on policies affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. However, recent polls indicate a shift towards the No vote, with experts attributing this change to a misinformation ecosystem led by figures in the No camp and amplified through suspicious social media accounts.
The disinformation campaign surrounding the referendum primarily focuses on racial narratives, utilizing racist memes, personal threats, and false claims to undermine the Yes campaign. Lies have been spread about key campaign figures, referendum rules, and the potential consequences of the Voice. The Australian Associated Press’ FactCheck team has noticed a surge in misinformation, surpassing levels seen during the country’s previous election. Many of these claims contain racist undertones or derogatory language, reflecting the narratives employed by the No campaign.
Concerns are arising regarding the mental health of First Nations communities, who find themselves at the center of an increasingly divisive debate. The referendum has reignited discussions about Australia’s troubled history, including mass killings, violence against Indigenous people, and forced assimilation policies that removed children from their families. Indigenous Australians continue to experience glaring disparities in health, wealth, and education outcomes, with higher suicide rates and disproportionate representation in the prison population.
Supporters of the Voice argue that it offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity for real change and greater self-determination for First Nations communities. However, opponents claim that the advisory body will possess excessive power, potentially undermining government processes and burdening the courts with objections. Legal and constitutional experts dismiss these concerns as unfounded, highlighting that the Voice does not possess a veto power.
Monitoring the disinformation campaign has revealed signs of inauthentic social media accounts and bot-like behavior. Anti-Voice accounts, displaying an unusually high activity rate, have been detected, suggesting an attempt to manipulate algorithms and spread disinformation widely. Social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, have increased their efforts to detect and block fake accounts responsible for such activities.
The relentless spread of disinformation poses significant challenges to the referendum process and the well-being of First Nations communities. Mental health agencies have reported a marked increase in reports of online hate speech and abuse, with concerns that the disinformation campaign may contribute to higher suicide rates. If the referendum proceeds in a divisive atmosphere, the scars left on society may persist long after the vote’s outcome.
While some Yes campaigners still project confidence, the impact of the disinformation campaign remains a cause for worry. The divisive nature of the opposition’s tactics, shifting a basic reform into a divisive political issue, could have long-term ramifications. The referendum represents an opportunity to address the burdens of Australia’s colonial past and promote unity, but the spread of misinformation threatens to undermine this goal.
As the official campaign for the referendum begins, efforts to combat disinformation and racism online have intensified. However, the influence of misinformation on public sentiment cannot be underestimated, and the responsibility now lies in promoting accurate information and countering the divisive narratives that seek to undermine the progress and well-being of First Nations communities.
