Electoral Matters Committee visits Hobart

THE Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is holding a hearing in Hobart today, August 5, as part of its inquiry into the 2025 federal election.

Committee Chair, 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," Mr Laxale said.

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, Doug Chipman, and psephologist Kevin Bonham, among 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.

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