Federal Election: Erin Molan explains what Australians need to consider before voting

National security and the cost of living are important issues for Aussies, but Erin Molan said there is something else voters need to remember at the ballot box.

Exclusive: Online safety is one of the top issues parents and grandparents should be thinking about when they head to the ballot box later this month says advocate Erin Molan.

The mother-of-one, who is a Sky News presenter and News Corp columnist, has been a prominent voice on the need to protect vulnerable people from the many pitfalls of the digital world after she became a victim of online trolls.

She told News Corp while she would “never” tell anyone how to vote, but she believed online safety was an issue all Australians should consider.

“What I would say is that this is an issue that should matter to every grandparent, every parent, every young person, because all of our kids are in this (online) world now,” she said.

“And this world will only become bigger, more out of control, more dangerous, as times goes on.”

Erin Molan with Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: Jason Edwards

Ms Molan said cost of living and national security were also “hugely important” election issues in her opinion.

But she said she was particularly focused on protecting children online and holding social media companies to account for the harm their platforms cause, backing the government’s recent laws for strengthening Australia’s policy.

Molan and Jenny Morrison with baby Herbert Robertson, son of Sebastian Robertson who is the founder of Batyr, a mental health organisation in Parramatta. Picture: Jason Edwards

“When you look at the impact that it has on everyday Australians their day to day lives, particularly children who are vulnerable, and that they’re the next people that will be running the businesses in this country, leading this country, defending our nation in the armed forces.

“We need to look after the welfare of our kids and these laws will help us to have the healthiest, mentally fit children anywhere in the world because these laws will protect them from perpetrators and harm online.”

Originally published as Federal Election: Erin Molan explains what Australians need to consider before voting