The Corruption of Public Debate Under Howard

The corruption of public debate under Howard was a serious problem that has had lasting consequences for Australian democracy. Howard's government used a variety of tactics to control the media and suppress dissent.

Quarterly Essay 26 His Master's Voice: The Corruption of Public Debate Under Howard

by Campbell F. Scribner

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	353 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	87 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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One of the most damaging tactics used by Howard's government was the use of fear and intimidation. The government repeatedly warned of the dangers of terrorism and asylum seekers, and used these fears to justify a crackdown on civil liberties.

The government also used its control of the media to silence its critics. The government-owned Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) was repeatedly pressured to toe the government line, and journalists who were critical of the government were often harassed and intimidated.

The corruption of public debate under Howard has had a lasting impact on Australian democracy. The public has become more distrustful of the government and the media, and it has become more difficult for dissenting voices to be heard.

The following are some of the specific tactics used by Howard's government to control the media and suppress dissent:

• The government used its control of the ABC to silence its critics.
• The government repeatedly warned of the dangers of terrorism and asylum seekers, and used these fears to justify a crackdown on civil liberties.
• The government used its control of the media to promote its own agenda.
• The government harassed and intimidated journalists who were critical of the government.

The corruption of public debate under Howard was a serious problem that has had lasting consequences for Australian democracy. It is important to remember the lessons of the Howard years, and to be vigilant against any attempts to control the media and suppress dissent.

The Use of Fear and Intimidation

One of the most damaging tactics used by Howard's government was the use of fear and intimidation. The government repeatedly warned of the dangers of terrorism and asylum seekers, and used these fears to justify a crackdown on civil liberties.

For example, in the wake of the September 11 attacks, the government introduced a number of new anti-terrorism laws. These laws gave the government sweeping powers to detain and interrogate people without charge, and to restrict freedom of speech and assembly.

The government also used its control of the media to promote a climate of fear. The ABC was repeatedly pressured to toe the government line on terrorism, and journalists who were critical of the government were often harassed and intimidated.

The use of fear and intimidation by Howard's government had a chilling effect on public debate. People were afraid to speak out against the government, and dissenting voices were silenced.

The Control of the Media

The Howard government also used its control of the media to silence its critics. The government-owned Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) was repeatedly pressured to toe the government line, and journalists who were critical of the government were often harassed and intimidated.

For example, in 2004, the ABC's flagship current affairs program, Four Corners, was threatened with defunding after it aired a critical report on the government's treatment of asylum seekers.

The government also used its control of the media to promote its own agenda. The ABC was often used to promote government policies, and journalists who were critical of the government were often denied access to government information.

The control of the media by Howard's government was a serious threat to democracy. It prevented the public from getting a full and accurate picture of the government's policies, and it made it difficult for dissenting voices to be heard.

The Suppression of Dissent

The Howard government also used a variety of other tactics to suppress dissent. These tactics included:

• Harassment and intimidation of journalists and activists
• The use of surveillance to monitor dissenters
• The of laws that restricted freedom of speech and assembly

These tactics created a climate of fear and intimidation that made it difficult for dissenting voices to be heard. People were afraid to speak out against the government, and those who did were often harassed and intimidated.

The suppression of dissent by Howard's government was a serious threat to democracy. It prevented the public from getting a full and accurate picture of the government's policies, and it made it difficult for dissenting voices to be heard.

The Legacy of the Howard Years

The corruption of public debate under Howard has had a lasting impact on Australian democracy. The public has become more distrustful of the government and the media, and it has become more difficult for dissenting voices to be heard.

The lessons of the Howard years are clear. We must be vigilant against any attempts to control the media and suppress dissent. We must also be vigilant against the use of fear and intimidation to silence dissenting voices.

The corruption of public debate under Howard was a dark chapter in Australian history. We must never allow it to happen again.

Quarterly Essay 26 His Master's Voice: The Corruption of Public Debate Under Howard

by Campbell F. Scribner

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	353 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	87 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE