False Claims of Daniel Andrews’ Terminal Illness Spread Online

Disinformation campaigns targeting former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews have intensified amid his recent hospitalization, with fabricated quotes falsely claiming he has revealed a terminal illness circulating widely across social media platforms.

Andrews, who has been recovering from what The Herald Sun described as a “medical episode,” has become the subject of numerous fabricated health updates and quotes. Despite the absence of any official statement from Andrews or his family regarding his condition, several Facebook pages have disseminated false information about his health status.

A particularly concerning post from a page called “The Australian Bulletin” has claimed that Andrews disclosed being “terminally ill,” attributing the fabricated quote: “I don’t have want to die, but that day is getting closer.” This post alone has garnered over 1.1 million views and more than 100 shares, highlighting the alarming reach of such misinformation.

The same Facebook page published another fraudulent post purporting that Catherine Andrews, the former premier’s wife, stated “he’s not making it.” These claims lack any credible source or verification, as neither Andrews nor his family has issued any public statements regarding the specifics of his medical condition.

Media analysts note that such misinformation often spreads rapidly during periods of public interest and limited official information. The vacuum of details regarding Andrews’ actual condition has created fertile ground for speculation and fabrication.

The false posts direct users to external websites filled with advertisements, employing a common tactic used by disinformation actors to monetize false claims. Fact-checking experts have identified this as part of a broader pattern where engagement with sensationalist content is leveraged for financial gain.

According to AAP FactCheck, these campaigns represent part of a larger trend of political disinformation targeting Australian public figures. Dozens of social media accounts have been identified spreading false information about Australian politicians, often utilizing artificial intelligence tools to generate convincing but entirely fabricated content.

The disinformation campaigns have not limited their focus to Andrews. Other prominent Australian political figures have been targeted, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Senator Pauline Hanson, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, and veteran Queensland MP Bob Katter.

Digital media experts warn that such campaigns can have serious consequences beyond personal reputation damage. False health claims about public figures can undermine trust in legitimate information sources and contribute to broader information disorder within public discourse.

Social media platforms continue to struggle with effectively moderating such content, particularly when posts gain significant traction before being flagged for review. Users are encouraged to verify information through official sources and recognized news outlets before sharing content about public figures.

The Andrews case illustrates how quickly false information can spread, particularly when it involves prominent public figures who are temporarily out of the public eye due to legitimate health concerns. In the absence of official updates, the public is advised to approach unverified claims with skepticism, especially when they appear on unrecognized news sources or pages without established credibility.