The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is holding a hearing in Hobart today, 5 August 2026 as part of its inquiry into the 2025 federal election.
The Committee Chair, Mr Jerome Laxale MP said, 'The spread of disinformation and misinformation on social media and AI at elections is increasing significantly. In Hobart, the Committee will be discussing tools for dealing with online disinformation and misinformation in campaigning.'
'The hearing will also discuss the process for redistribution of federal electorates', said Mr Laxale.
The Committee will hear from Tasmanian Senator Peter Whish-Wilson in his capacity as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy, alongside Deputy Chair Senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah. The Committee will also hear from former Tasmanian Senator Catryna Bilyk, former Mayor of the City of Clarence Mr Doug Chipman, and psephologist Dr Kevin Bonham, amongst others.
Public hearing details
Date: Wednesday, 5 August 2026
Location: Committee Room 1, Parliament House,1 Salamanca Place, Hobart, Tasmania
11.15 am Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah
12.00 pm Mr Thomas Chick
12.45 pm Break
1.30 pm Dr Robert Hortle, Dr Lachlan Johnson and Mr Doug Chipman
2.15 pm Dr Kevin Bonham
3.00 pm Mrs Catryna Bilyk
3.45 pm Close
Further information on the 2025 election inquiry can be found at the inquiry webpage. Committee details can be found at the Committee's webpage.
Programs for these upcoming hearings will be advertised on the Committee's public hearings webpage as they are finalised. The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.
