QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator FARRELL (South Australia—Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) (15:00): I thank Senator Bell for his question. Our digital duty of care will set basic safety standards for the digital services that we use every day, just like we have for food, for cars and for kids toys. It will provide Australians over the age of 16 with agency over their algorithms.

Social media companies will have to offer genuine choice and respect that choice or face significant competition. Our laws will let Australians decide for themselves what they see. So, I think, in fundamental terms, Senator Bell, we would disagree with your characterisation of what the government is doing here.

Right now, foreign companies make those choices for you, and they make them without asking. People will still be able to see recommended content if they want to, but they'll also have the option to just see friends and creators that they choose. Parliament should support giving more choice and more control, and I would encourage One Nation to do exactly that.