Overview

• Millions of Australians have received unsolicited text messages from the Trumpet of Patriots, outlining policies such as cutting immigration and high-speed rail plans.
• The texts, authorized by Queensland Senate candidate Harold Fong, lack an opt-out option, frustrating recipients and raising privacy concerns.
• Political parties are legally exempt from spam and privacy laws during election campaigns, allowing mass messaging without consent or opt-out mechanisms.
• The Australian Electoral Commission confirmed it does not provide phone numbers to political parties, leaving the source of the data unclear.
• Public criticism has grown, with complaints of harassment, minors receiving texts, and calls for legislative changes to close regulatory loopholes.