News Corp tabloids reported that Labor had issued more than 20,000 visas to the families and partners of asylum seekers who arrived by boat. The catch? It wasn't true, but that didn't stop the false figures spreading through mainstream media and fuelling conspiracy theories online.
Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson made several media appearances to discuss the News Corp story, which was based on an error.On Tuesday, News Corp titles inaccurately reported that the Albanese government had issued more than 20,000 visas to the families and partners of asylum seekers who arrived by boat.The false figure was reported by other mainstream media outlets and fuelled conspiracy theories online.
The false figure was repeated throughout the course of the day in a remarkable example of how misinformation can take hold and spread across both mainstream and social media. The article suggested the influx was tied to asylum seeker visa reforms introduced by the Albanese government in February 2023.
The Herald Sun published a correction on its website that afternoon and in print the next day and website versions of the article on other News Corp mastheads were also amended. Despite the correction by the Herald Sun, the false figure remained on Senator Paterson's website until Thursday. The false figures have also continued to flow around mainstream social media platforms, including a Facebook post from the Herald Sun that remained online without correction on Friday.ABC NEWS Verify has contacted the Herald Sun, the Department of Home Affairs and Senator Paterson to understand how the incorrect figure came to be reported as front-page news.in response to questions by Greens Senator David Shoebridge during a Senate estimates hearing last November.
Visas Refugees Asylum Seekers News Corp Misinformation
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hells Angels Leader Sues News Corp Over Alleged Drug Trafficking ReportsAngelo Pandeli, identified as the Australian head of the Hells Angels, is suing News Corp for defamation over reports linking him to Australia's billion-dollar drug trade.
Read more »
Labor's Fake Election Campaign Exposed: Sky News Offers Insight and CoverageThis news article highlights several key stories: Labor's alleged electoral deception, the financial strain school costs place on Australian families, and Paul's endorsement of Peter Dutton as a leader. It also promotes Sky News's comprehensive coverage of the election, featuring dedicated channels, live broadcasts, and on-demand access to news, opinion, documentaries, and sports.
Read more »
Sky News: Live Coverage, Opinion Shows & Streaming ServiceSky News Australia provides live breaking news, expert opinion, and documentaries across four dedicated news channels. Access live and on-demand streaming of Sky News, Sky News Election Channel, FOX SPORTS News, and Sky News Weather, with a subscription to SkyNews.com.au.
Read more »
Sky News Australia Launches Comprehensive Streaming SubscriptionSky News Australia offers a new streaming subscription service providing Australians with access to live and on-demand content from four dedicated news channels, including Sky News Australia, Sky News Weather, Sky News Business, and FOX SPORTS News.
Read more »
Sky News Australia: Covering News, Opinion, and MoreA look at the programming and subscription options offered by Sky News Australia, including live and on-demand news, opinion shows, documentaries, and dedicated channels for elections and sports.
Read more »
Sky News Australia: A Hub of News, Opinion, and Live CoverageSky News Australia offers a comprehensive news and opinion experience through its diverse channels, featuring award-winning journalists, insightful commentary, live breaking news, sports updates, weather forecasts, and exclusive documentaries.
Read more »