Sydney MPs demand law change after online trolls accuse Rachael Jackson of being the ‘new Belle Gibson’
Politicians are demanding laws be changed after an Aussie mum was falsely accused of being the “new Belle Gibson” in a vile online campaign that spilled into real-life harassment.
EXCLUSIVE: Two MPs are calling for changes to the law after a social media influencer was targeted in a hate campaign by trolls convinced she was the new Belle Gibson.
Sydney Independents Michael Regan, Member for Wakehurst and Jacqui Scruby, Member for Pittwater, said they were utterly shocked at the ferocity and scale of attack against Rachael Jackson, a single mum from Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
“It was crazy what happened and I don’t think anyone should be put through that,” Mr Regan said.
“If we’re serious about mental health and we’re serious about bullying, harassment and the like, then this is an area which needs close attention,” Mr Regan said.
“If laws need to be changed, then tell us what’s required so that we can deal with it.”
Ms Jackson, a local citizen of the year, was wrongly accused of faking her thyroid cancer and misleading people over her health issues. She was also falsely accused of being a scammer.
Online accusations turned into real life intimidation and harassment, with police advising the single mum to avoid community events for her own safety.
Mr Regan said he couldn’t understand how the group was allowed to operate despite the damage it was causing to Ms Jackson’s reputation and her mental health.
Ms Scruby, who along with Mr Regan have written to the NSW Attorney over the matter, said it’s unacceptable that victims can be shredded so publicly.
“Laws are falling short if we can’t prosecute this kind of online harassment until it spills into real-life intimidation,” Ms Scruby said.
More Coverage
Originally published as Sydney MPs demand law change after online trolls accuse Rachael Jackson of being the ‘new Belle Gibson’
