Search

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 the deemphasis on political correctness in Australia related to the government of former Prime Minister John Howard. Minority groups in Australia were adversely affected by regressive government policies related to progressive social policy. The article discusses how Howard's administration reacted to social movements for women, homosexual people, and indigenous and ethnic groups. Information on Australian immigration, social marginality, funding for non-government organizations, economic liberalism, and social conservatism is also provided.

This article reports on non-government organisations (NGOs) in Australia and their relation to the government of former Prime Minister John Howard. Typically, NGOs in Australia serve to represent minority and marginal groups that need advocacy. The article discusses how these groups were challenged by Howard's policies and changed under his government's leadership. The article also discusses how Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is expected to interact with NGOs during his tenure starting in 2007. Information is provided on diversity and democracy in Australia, as well as volunteers, advocacy restrictions, and governing through communities.

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 the role of truth in democracy and the role of public opinion in the government of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard. While the concept of a fragile democracy is more common in developing nations, a democracy's success in a developed country can still be threatened. The article discusses how a loss of public trust in political institutions can weaken a state and deplete social capital. It is argued that Howard's government constricted public opinion and weakened the country. Information is also provided on public policy-making, cynicism, and civil society.

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.

The article examines the nuclear power agenda of Australian Prime Minister John Howard. Howard has suggested that the country could become an energy superpower because of the abundance of uranium resources in the area. Moreover, his nuclear agenda is intended to enhance the country's role in nuclear industry. Part of his agenda is increasing the Australian uranium exports, the building of nuclear power plants along the coast line, and the construction of a uranium enrichment plant. However, Howard's approach has caused concern among the neighbors and will have negative implications for regional security.

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.