New research from The Australia Institute has shown that a significant majority of Queensland voters want to see truth in political advertising laws introduced at a state level, following the 2020 state election.

The Australia Institute surveyed 1,447 Queenslanders between 3 and 7 November 2020. Only people who voted in the 2020 state election were included.

The Australia Institute has written to every member of the Queensland Parliament today, advising them of the strong desire for truth in political advertising laws among Queensland voters and urging them to consider enacting such legislation.

Key results:

• Nine in 10 Queenslanders (87%) say Queensland should pass truth in political advertising laws, compared to 5% who say it should not.
• Agreement is similarly high among all voting intentions.
  • 86% of LNP, 88% of Labor, 89% of Greens, 84% of One Nation, 95% of Katter’s Australian Party and 79% of Independent/Other voters say Queensland should pass truth in political advertising laws.

“Following the 2020 Queensland election campaign, there is a strong desire for truth in political advertising laws across the state,” said Ben Oquist, executive director of The Australia Institute.

“Our research shows that this is not a partisan issue. Queenslanders of all political stripes want truth in political advertising laws to be enacted, while very few voters oppose such a move.

“Safeguarding our democracy cannot be left up to the media organisations and online platforms who accept advertising revenue from political parties. Truth in political advertising laws, rigorously enforced by an independent public body, will help to protect future Queensland elections from dishonest scare campaigns and misinformation.

“With the ACT recently passing truth in political advertising laws, joining South Australia as the only other jurisdiction with such democratic protections in place, it is time for Queensland and other states to do the same.”