By Denis Hay
How to reclaim Australian democracy. Our politics serves the elite, not the people. Learn how corporate control took over and what we can do to restore democracy.
Picture this: It’s the early 1980s. Australia is a nation where the government prioritises public services, unions are strong, and corporate influence is kept in check. Fast-forward to today – corporations dictate policy, billionaires fund political campaigns, and the average citizen feels powerless. How did we get here? The answer lies in the gradual shift toward neoliberalism and the rise of oligarchic power.
• Political parties depend on corporate donations and lobbying.
• Media conglomerates, such as News Corp, shape public discourse favouring neoliberal policies.
• The influence of multinational corporations on policy decisions (e.g., mining industry subsidies, privatisation of public assets).
• Neoliberal policies have prioritised deregulation, privatisation, and tax cuts for the wealthy.
• Wage stagnation and rising costs of living have left working Australians struggling.
• Public money is diverted to corporate subsidies instead of funding essential services.
• Politicians and media blame immigrants, welfare recipients, and unions to distract from economic inequality.
• The use of “culture wars” to divide and suppress collective action.
• Both major parties (Labor and LNP) rely on corporate donations, limiting genuine reform.
• The illusion of choice: incremental policy shifts that do not challenge elite control.
• Why public housing, free education, and healthcare reforms are consistently undermined.
• The media’s role in framing progressive policies as unrealistic or unaffordable.
• The media landscape is controlled by a handful of corporations, limiting diverse political debate.
• The need for independent journalism to challenge the status quo.
• Implementing strict campaign finance reform to ban corporate donations.
• Introducing publicly funded elections.
• Regulating lobbyists and corporate access to policymakers.
• Expanding direct democracy through citizen assemblies and referenda.
• Participatory budgeting to give communities control over public spending.
• Establishing grassroots-led political structures.
• Breaking up media monopolies to ensure a plurality of perspectives.
• Increased funding for independent investigative journalism.
• Community-run media platforms to prioritise public interest over corporate profit.
• Strengthening workers’ rights and increasing union power.
• Expanding the public sector and renationalising essential services.
• Fair taxation on corporations and billionaires to fund universal public services.
• The post-WWII era showed that significant reforms are possible with political will.
• The role of trade unions and social movements in driving change.
• Local community organising as a tool for systemic change.
• Supporting independent political candidates who challenge corporate influence.
• Leveraging alternative media for public awareness and engagement.
• Developing community-owned housing, renewable energy, and cooperative businesses.
• Strengthening local economies to reduce corporate dependence.
• Using digital platforms to coordinate national action and build solidarity.
For decades, Australians have witnessed the erosion of democracy in favour of corporate and billionaire interests. However, this trend is not irreversible. Australians can reclaim their political system by mobilising grassroots activism, advocating for campaign finance reform, and demanding accountability from our leaders.
Have you or someone you know experienced the impact of corporate-controlled politics in Australia? Share your story in the comments below.
If you found this article insightful, explore more on political reform and Australia’s monetary sovereignty at Social Justice Australia.
Share this article with your community to help drive the conversation toward a more just and equal society.
Click on our “Reader Feedback.” Please let us know how our content has inspired you. Submit your testimonial and help shape the conversation today!
Additionally, leave a comment about this article below.
Social Justice Australia is committed to delivering independent, in-depth analysis of critical issues affecting Australians. Unlike corporate-backed media, we rely on our readers to sustain this platform.
If you find value in our content, consider making a small donation to help cover the costs of hosting, maintenance, and continued research. No matter how small, every contribution makes a real difference in keeping this site accessible and ad-free.
💡 Your support helps:
✅ Keep this website running without corporate influence
✅ Fund research and publishing of articles that challenge the status quo
✅ Expand awareness of policies that affect everyday Australians
💰 A one-time or monthly donation ensures Social Justice Australia stays a strong, independent voice.
Thank you for being part of this movement for change. Your support is truly appreciated!
1. Why does Australia’s government prioritise corporate interests over public welfare?
Corporate donations and lobbying have made politicians dependent on elite funding, leading them to serve those interests rather than ordinary citizens.
2. Can grassroots activism change Australia’s political system?
Yes. Historically, significant reforms (such as universal healthcare and workers’ rights) came from mass mobilisation, not politicians’ goodwill.
3. What can individuals do to push for change?
Engage in local activism, support independent media, vote for grassroots candidates, and hold politicians accountable through direct action.
This article was originally published on Social Justice Australia.
Independent sites such as The AIMN provide a platform for public interest journalists. From its humble beginning in January 2013, The AIMN has grown into one of the most trusted and popular independent media organisations.
One of the reasons we have succeeded has been due to the support we receive from our readers through their financial contributions.
With increasing costs to maintain The AIMN, we need this continued support.
Your donation – large or small – to help with the running costs of this site will be greatly appreciated.
You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969
By Lachlan McKenzie In today’s world, it is increasingly evident that a small minority of…
By Denis Hay Description The SmartCard replaced the Indue Card, but has anything changed? Discover…
Soppy, soapy and interminable, the Australian series Neighbours, the staple for millions of British (and…
Sometimes I can’t keep up. The treadmill feels like it is moving too fast. At…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYKetrodpoY There's uproar in the Western media, about Donald Trump wanting to negotiate with Putin,…
This is not just a matter of curiosity, but a call to action. It’s about…