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The notion that the Howard Government (1996-2007) used silencing dissent within Australian civil society as a key tool of political control is not new and has been explored elsewhere. This paper argues that while the Howard Government demonstrated a weakening support for civil society organisations and attempted to delegitimise the role of Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) in the public sphere, the Abbott Government displayed some significant differences. Their approach moved beyond this to undermine key elements of Australian democracy. The government attempted to shrink, delegitimise and criminalise the advocacy and democratic purposes of NGOs and civil society. Crucial access to the judicial system for NGOs was limited by defunding of organisations that supported civil society to access legal mechanisms. In this way, the independence of the public service and of universities was challenged and compromised. These actions suggest a waning commitment to a public battle of ideas and a rethinking of the relationship between government, citizens and civil society. In this case, it represents a significant attempt to re-mark Australian democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on Australian civil society, labour laws, and capital in the 2000s. The article discusses former Prime Minister John Howard's government and how it damaged occupational health and safety in the country and discouraged workers. Information is provided on Howard's Commonwealth occupational health and safety legislation, risk management, and industrial manslaughter. Additionally, the article discusses how state-supported neglect related to workplace abuse was foreshadowed before the 1940s. The article also speculated on the government of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

This article reports on the use of humor and satire in the political climate of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard's administration. As the government attempted to quell dissent, humor was used to engage the public, critique politics and politicians, and highlight the absurd in Australia. The article discusses the stunts performed by performance group The Chaser and the pranks pulled on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Information is also provided on civil society, civic engagement, neo-liberalism, and moral geography.

This article reports on concerns of political disengagement and disenchantment related to Australia's government in the 2000s. It is believed that the 2007 election of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd following the departure of former Prime Minister John Howard could result in the re-engagement of Australian citizens. The article discusses the reasons for the public dissatisfaction and civil society. Information is also provided on Australian elections, voting, partisanship, and the roles of commentators and the electorate. Tables demonstrating election results are presented as well.

This article reports on civil society in Australia between 1996 and 2007 related to former Prime Minister John Howard. The article discusses Howard's neo-conservative ideology and Liberal-National coalition, noting his views on political correctness. Howard's administration is also discussed in terms of immigration, multiculturalism, indigenous land rights, othering, and Islamaphobia. Information on the effect of Islamaphobia on Australian perceptions and the treatment of Muslims is also provided.

This article presents the authors' views on social conditions in Australia after the administration of former Prime Minister John Howard. The authors reflect on the federal government of Australia in 2008 under Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and note the differences between the two leaders. Concepts of civil society, democratic processes, and duty are also explored.