‘Smokescreen’ for Misinformation Bill: Ex-PM Warns Against Taking Down Video of Bishop Stabbing

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott was also concerned authorities may be keen to remove the footage due to an ‘anxiety about Islamophobia.’

Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott takes questions after addressing the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Australia, on Nov. 28, 2019. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott is concerned that current moves by Australian authorities to target social media platform X could be an excuse to push through the impending “Misinformation Bill.”

In a wide-ranging podcast with the Institute of Public Affairs, Mr. Abbott discussed multiple topics including the online world, Islamist violence, and smartphones in schools.