Join 4 distinguished speakers to hear about why we need truth in political advertising and what is standing in our way.
Unlike commercial advertising, truth in political advertising has no legal protections outside South Australia and the ACT. The importance of truth, and absence of disinformation, cannot be underestimated as a key factor in protecting our democracy. This webinar will provide contributions from three speakers who are making valuable contributions to this debate. It will be expertly moderated by journalist, Anne Maria Nicholson.
While the webinar is free and open to all, you will need to register in advance.
Participants
Anne Maria Nicholson: Journalist and public speaker (moderator)
Anne Maria Nicholson is a prominent journalist, author and public speaker who has worked for a range of media organisations, both within Australia and internationally, including 20 years as a news and current affairs journalist at the ABC. Since 2006 Anne Maria has written three novels, was Deputy Chair of the Australian Society of Authors and a Director of the Copyright Agency. She is currently President of the Manly Art Gallery & Museum Society and a member of ABC Alumni.
Ullrich Ecker: Professor, School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia
Professor Ullrich Ecker is a cognitive psychologist, who researches the impact of misinformation on memory and reasoning, resulting in 120 publications which have attracted around 8,500 citations. Ullrich is a Professor in the School of Psychological Science at the University of Western Australia, and has provided expert advice to Facebook, German and Australian courts of law, parliamentary committees in Singapore and Victoria, the European Commission, and the Australian Departments of Health and Home Affairs.
Geoffrey Watson SC: Director, Centre of Public Integrity
Geoffrey Watson specialises in product liability, professional negligence, general insurance and appeals. He has a national practice, appearing in the High Court, the Federal Court and the Supreme Courts of each of the states and territories.
Mr Watson has appeared as counsel assisting in several large scale public inquiries, and has acted as an adviser to federal, state and territory politicians on integrity and corruption issues. He is also active in pro bono work for asylum seekers. In addition to his professional commitments, Mr Watson pursues an interest in academic work.
Zali Steggall OAM: Federal member for Warringah
Zali Steggall OAM has been an independent Federal member for the seat of Warringah since 2019, now covering two parliamentary terms. Prior to entering Parliament she worked as a barrister in commercial, family and sports law for twelve years. Zali has been actively involved in the submission of three bills before Parliament for federal legislation to counter disinformation from political sources. She is a director of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, on the Council of Governors at Queenwood School for Girls in Mosman, and a member of the Sports Australia Hall of Fame.