Fatima Payman, Jacqui Lambie to vote down Labor’s misinformation bill

Ex-Labor Senator Fatima Payman has delivered yet another blow to her former colleagues — refusing to support a bill they desperately need support for.

A former Labor Senator who sensationally cut ties with the party earlier this year has revealed she will vote down the government’s controversial misinformation bill.

West Australian Senator Fatima Payman, who has since launched her own party called Australia’s Voice, took to social media to reveal she will be voting against the bill.

The bill — which seeks to stamp out misinformation and disinformation online — will face a difficult pathway to success, with other crossbenchers — including Jacquie Lambie, Tammy Tyrell and David Pocock — also voting no.

“Freedom of speech is a pillar of our democracy and this bill threatens that,” Ms Payman said in a video on her social media accounts

“Of course misinformation and disinformation are a problem but this bill isn’t the answer.

“That’s why I will vote against this bill.”

Ms Payman said the bill did not represent Australian values.

“The powers it grants could lead to receivership with the government deciding what does and doesn’t count as the truth, that’s not the Australia I believe in,” she said.

“I will always stand up for our freedoms and an Australia where all voices can be heard.”

Fatima Payman will not support the government’s misinformation bill. Picture: Martin Ollman

Jacquie Lambie will also vote no, as will at least two other independents. Picture: QandA

In a statement on Friday, Ms Lambie said “after careful consideration” she had decided to vote no on the bill.

“The spread of lies is absolutely a problem for our democracy, but this bill, as it stands, isn’t the solution,” she said.

“I’ve gone through its 70-plus pages with my team, talked to folks on all sides, and the message from JLN (Jacquie Lambie Network) supporters has been clear: they don’t like it.

“Handing the power to social media companies to regulate ‘truth’ is risky, and I’m not comfortable with the potential negative impacts.”

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