The spread of mis- and disinformation is one of the most pressing challenges facing democracies worldwide, distorting public debate and eroding trust in democratic institutions and decision-making processes. How can democracies address this challenge and ensure public conversations remain inclusive, well-informed, and reflective of diverse perspectives?

In this seminar, Ika Trijsburg (University of Melbourne) and Sophie Murrary-Farrell (NSW Premier’s Department) will engage in a conversation exploring the latest research insights on countering mis- and disinformation, along with practical strategies implemented by government agencies.

Hosted by the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance, this event is part of our monthly hybrid research-practice exchange series, where we examine innovative ideas, strategies, and solutions to strengthen democracy in Australia and beyond.

Ika Trijsburg is the Research Fellow City Diplomacy at the University of Melbourne and Head of Democracy and Diplomacy at the Municipal Association of Victoria. She leads the Disinformation in the City project across five Australian universities, which she initiated within the Melbourne Centre for Cities.

Sophie Murray-Farrell is the Acting Director of Connected Communities, which is part of the Delivery and Engagement Group in the NSW Premier's Department. Connected Communities’ focus is on strengthening social cohesion and democracy, as well as overcoming hate and extremism in NSW. This is achieved by working in partnership with community and faith leaders, local government, academics, and civil society.

The seminar will be moderated by Dr Jordan McSwiney, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance, University of Canberra.

This seminar is hybrid, held both in Fishbowl at Building 24 and online.