Web keeps ’em honest

AUSTRALIA’S first political fact-checking website was launched this week – in a bid to “keep the bastards honest”.
The website will aim to keep voters informed as Australia prepares to go to the polls for the September federal election.
PolitiFact Australia will fact-check claims made by MPs, parties, candidates and other influential figures.
The website is also the first international affiliate of Pulitzer prize-winning US site, PolitiFact.
PolitiFact Australia will rate political statements as true, mostly true, half true, mostly false and false.
Ridiculous claims will be rated as “pants on fire”.
The first two fact-checks on the site have delivered mostly falses to Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott.
The site is headed by Peter Fray, the former editor-in-chief and publisher of The Sydney Morning Herald.
The launch reporting team is David Humphries, Chris Pash, Ellie Harvey, Jennifer Cooke and Flynn Murphy.
Publishing executive Ben Ashton is managing director.
“We live in a world awash with information and talking points,” Mr Fray said.
“The paradox is that more information – more talk – doesn’t mean we are better informed. Often the reverse is true.”
Visit – www.politifact.com.au