Welcome to episode 2 of Truth, Trust & Politics.

In an age of misinformation and “alternative facts,” truth in politics is more contested than ever. In this episode of Truth, Trust & Politics, part of the Voices of Australia podcast by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, Zali Steggall OAM MP and Michael Maley explore how misleading political communication threatens democracy.

Zali, an Australian politician, lawyer and former Winter Olympian, along with Michael, an expert in Australian electoral regulation, examine the history of truth in political advertising laws and the urgent need for modern safeguards.

They discuss the consequences of misinformation, the fragility of democratic trust, and whether stronger regulations could ensure voters receive credible information.

As disinformation becomes more sophisticated, they ask: how do we protect democracy from deception, and who should be held accountable?

Truth, Trust & Politics continue every Thursday with new episodes weekly. Tune in and join the conversation.

Listen to the episode here.

Watch the episode below: