Disinformation and Democracy Forum Melbourne

Disinformation and Democracy Forum: Tackling the threat of disinformation campaigns.

Access to reliable, accurate information is essential for democracy. It empowers citizens to make informed decisions, debate issues, and hold leaders accountable. But the rise of big tech platforms and their algorithms has brought a new challenge to the forefront: the spread of harmful disinformation campaigns. From misleading health advice to conspiracy theories, unchecked disinformation risks jeopardising public health, swaying elections, and even inciting violence.

Join us for a panel discussion at the Disinformation and Democracy Forum to hear from disinformation experts, elected representatives, and those dealing with the real life impacts of disinformation campaigns about how we can tackle the growing crisis of bad information in our digital age. 

This timely event will explore the nature and impacts of disinformation and how governments should be responding to ensure a safer, more trustworthy online environment. Come along to join the discussion on how we can address the threat of disinformation campaigns while safeguarding free speech, empowering citizens, and holding big tech companies accountable for their role in shaping our democracy.

Key Details

• 6pm - 7.30pm Monday 17th March
• Performance Space, Library at the Dock, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands, Melbourne
• This event is ticketed, please purchase tickets or email info@australiandemocracy.org.au for a free ticket.

About the speakers

Saffron Zomer is a lawyer, campaigner and political strategist with more than a decade of experience leading law reform campaigns. As the founder and Executive Director of the Australian Democracy Network, she is leading work to grow the capacity of the community sector to counter disinformation campaigns, research and expose the groups and networks that are using disinformation campaigns to further their political goals, and work to change the rules to hold big tech companies to account. Saffron will be moderating this event. 

Zoe Daniel is the Independent Federal Member for Goldstein. A journalist and foreign correspondent for nearly 30 years, Zoe has seen the impact of misinformation and disinformation across the world, including while covering the first Trump administration. Zoe has proposed the creation of a federal Digital Duty of Care.

Jane Gardner is the Director of Engagement at the Australian Conservation Foundation. She previously led communications and media at the Climate Council, Save the Children and at the University of Melbourne. Before this, she worked as a daily newspaper reporter. Jane has a strong track record in communications for advocacy and social change. From tackling climate disinformation, to reporting from the epicentre of the world's largest refugee camp, to coaching the next generation of young climate activists, Jane has enjoyed an interesting career and has many tales to tell.

Mark Andrejevic is a Professor at the School of Media, Film, and Journalism at Monash University and is on the board of Digital Rights Watch. He writes about digital media and popular culture, with a focus on the ways in which automated data collection is transforming social, political, and cultural life. He is the author of four books and over 80 journal articles and book chapters.