This report demonstrates that misleading information flourishes in online election advertising and lacks transparency and accountability. Misinformation, scare tactics and messages exploiting cost of living pressures of ‘every day’ struggling Australians is central to both online and other election ads. The report proposes five recommendations to strengthen transparency and improve election advertising online.

Truth in political advertising laws seek to protect the integrity of the electoral process from the growing threat of disinformation. This report argues in favour of expanding the laws, finding they are effective and especially appropriate in the Australian context of compulsory voting.

Truth in political advertising (TiPA) laws seek to protect the integrity of the electoral process from the growing threat of disinformation. This interim report examines the effect, operation, and administration of existing laws as well as the perceived impact in areas where they are not yet in place.

This report has been written for the purpose of informing the Independent Crime and Corruption Commission Reporting Review. The review was established was following the High Court decision of Crime and Corruption Commission v Carne [2023] HCA 28.

This article critically analyses the legal accountability mechanisms for grants funding through public finance legislation, ‘soft law’ such as grants, guidelines and ministerial standards, and the availability of legal redress. It also examines political accountability mechanisms, including the operation of parliamentary committees, the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman.