Protecting Victoria’s democracy ahead of state’s largest-ever election

Join the Victorian Electoral Commissioner, Melbourne University and leading political reporters for this insightful and timely event.

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In a little over 50 days, the nation will be watching Victoria stage its largest and most complex event, the 2026 state election.

And it will do so amid the most challenging communication environment ever seen. An abundance of electoral information from a myriad of sources is already being distributed across hundreds of platforms and channels, with dis-and-misinformation a real and present danger to a potential undermining of electoral integrity and trust in the voting process.

This free Melbourne Press Club and University of Melbourne event will feature:

• Victoria’s Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel, who will outline the investments and initiatives the VEC is undertaking ahead of the state’s election on Saturday 28 November;

• University of Melbourne Professor of Political Communication Andrea Carson, an expert in dis-and-misinformation;

• Sumeyya Ilanbey, Victorian political correspondent for The Australian Financial Review;

Nine News’ Chief Political Reporter, Heidi Murphy, will moderate a panel discussion.

Guests will be invited to linger after proceedings for a democracy sausage and other refreshments.