In the run-up to the referendum on an indigenous voice, fact-checkers from RMIT Fact Lab and AAP Fact Check have been diligently examining claims made online. Notably, they have observed that the majority of false claims appear to be originating from the 'no' supporters. One of the primary subjects under scrutiny is the campaign group Advance Australia, known for its conservative views and significant investment in Facebook ads related to the voice issue. RMIT flagged several of Advance Australia's ads, finding them misleading and lacking context. For instance, one ad claimed that the voice would grant indigenous people special rights, which was deemed false. Another misleading claim was made by Advance Australia, arguing that race is not mentioned in the Australian Constitution, despite the presence of references related to race in sections 25 and 51(xxvi).
The fact-checking process also revealed deceptive tactics by Advance Australia when using the image of an Aboriginal activist, Stuart Lingiari, claiming him to be the grandson of a famous land rights activist, Vincent Lingiari. However, Stuart Lingiari denied any relation to Vincent Lingiari, stating that he was not affiliated with the 'no' campaign or the 'yes' campaign. The fact checkers also addressed Advance Australia's contradictory messaging, as the group simultaneously argued that the voice was too radical while running a separate campaign claiming it was not enough. An ad featuring Aboriginal activist Celeste Little was manipulated, misquoting her views and using the hashtag #VoteNo, leading to its removal for lacking context. Additionally, Advance Australia used campaign emails signed by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to suggest that secret documents revealed the real agenda behind the voice, including a change to the Australian flag. AAP fact-checkers found these claims to be misleading, as the documents were merely meeting minutes from regional dialogues containing individual suggestions and concerns, not official agendas.
Despite being presented with the fact-checking results, Advance Australia rejected allegations of misleading, lacking context, or false claims in their campaign. They acknowledged the incorrect claim about race in the Constitution and removed the respective post. Fact-checkers continue to diligently examine both sides of the debate as they prepare for the upcoming referendum on the indigenous voice.
Quote - A life of total dedication to the truth also means a life of willingness to be personally challenged. - Scott Peck (By A. D. - Marist Laity - from AUSTRALIA - 2023-7-21)
Philosophy - How might the content challenge prevailing beliefs or societal norms, inviting readers to engage in critical examination and the pursuit of truth, in line with the commitment to intellectual honesty and independent thinking? (By A. D. - Marist Laity - from AUSTRALIA - 2023-7-21)
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