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Australian Electoral Commission
The Board of the Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce (EIAT) has provided formal advice to the Australian Electoral Commissioner, Tom Rogers, following return of the writ for the 2023 Fadden by-election.
The Board advised Mr Rogers that “Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce (EIAT) agencies did not identify any foreign interference, or any other interference, that compromised the delivery of the 2023 Fadden by-election and would undermine the confidence of the Australian people in the results of the by-election.
The EIAT notes the rise of inauthentic activity occurring on social media platforms. As part of usual monitoring of the electoral environment, the EIAT identified and evaluated a small amount of apparent inauthentic social media activity in relation to the 2023 Fadden by-election. This content was very limited in volume and received little to no authentic engagement. The EIAT followed established processes and reported the activity. The EIAT has observed this activity has ceased.
Based on available evidence, the EIAT has determined that the apparent inauthentic activity did not impact the integrity of the process or results of the Fadden by-election."
“Protecting and preserving the integrity of electoral processes is essential to upholding public trust in Australia’s democracy,” Mr Rogers said.
“While the EIAT has noted the rise in inauthentic activity occurring on social media platforms, in this instance this activity did not impact the integrity of the by-election. The EIAT will continue to monitor activity that may impact electoral integrity. I encourage voters to check and consider the source of information they see online, and seek reliable sources of information about all electoral events,” Mr Rogers said.
For more information about the Taskforce, see: aec.gov.au/integrity-taskforce
The AEC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.