By Denis Hay
Description
Political corruption empowers despots while silencing reformers. Learn who benefits – and how Australians can fight back with knowledge and action.
Introduction: The Cost of Courage
“He was going to take on the banks, the media, the CIA. No wonder they took him down.”
The year was 1975. Gough Whitlam stood on the steps of Parliament, dismissed by the Governor-General. Not for corruption, but for daring to assert Australia’s independence. Fast-forward to 2025: the Morrison government faced scandal after scandal – Robodebt, secret ministries, sports rort – and yet, no one was held to account. What explains this disparity?
This article explores why political corruption shields despots like Morrison, Howard, Abbott, and Trump, while visionaries like Whitlam, Corbyn, Sanders, and Kennedy are relentlessly targeted. And most importantly, what can we do about it?
The Problem: When Power Protects Itself
Across democratic nations, a disturbing trend appears that those who champion justice are silenced, while those who manipulate the system prosper.
Despots on a Pedestal
Scott Morrison: Secretly appointed himself to five ministries, mishandled the pandemic response, and ran the infamous Robodebt scheme, which was declared unlawful by the Royal Commission. Yet, he faces no criminal charges.
John Howard & Tony Abbott: Lied about weapons of mass destruction, slashed public services, and entrenched neoliberalism – but are honoured with titles and retirement pensions.
Donald Trump: Twice impeached, accused of inciting insurrection and fraud, yet stays the Republican frontrunner.
Visionaries Discarded
Gough Whitlam: Ousted after trying to nationalise resources and remove U.S. bases from Australian soil.
Jeremy Corbyn: Smeared by both the media and his party for daring to challenge corporate power and Israeli apartheid.
Bernie Sanders: Sabotaged twice by the Democratic establishment despite his mass grassroots support.
Robert F. Kennedy: Assassinated at the height of his popularity, just as he was emerging as a serious anti-war, anti-corporate threat.
This isn’t a coincidence. Its design.
The Machinery of Suppression
The Hidden Power Behind the Throne
Political corruption thrives in systems built to protect privilege and suppress dissent. Behind the curtain lies a network of:
• Corporate donors
• Intelligence agencies
• Media barons
• Lobbyists
These groups fund, promote, and shield compliant leaders while discrediting threats to their power and influence.
Example: In Australia, mining magnates and real estate developers heavily fund both major parties. Politicians who speak against them – like independent MPs or Greens candidates – are labelled ‘radical’ or ‘fringe’.
Media as the Mouthpiece
Consider how the media framed Morrison vs Whitlam:
• Morrison was called “pragmatic” and “resilient.”
• Whitlam was portrayed as “reckless” and “unfit to govern.”
Murdoch outlets hold immense sway in Australia, often reinforcing political corruption by shaping narratives that serve their political and financial interests. This is not journalism – it’s manufactured consent.
The Psychology of Control
Public figures who appeal to fear – ”boat people,” “national security,” “welfare cheats” – gain traction because fear is easier to sell than hope. Authoritarian leaders exploit this.
Reformers, on the other hand, appeal to justice, equity, and long-term change. This needs thought and sacrifice – less media-friendly.
“It is difficult to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head.” – Sally Kempton
How We Reclaim Democracy
Rebuild from the Ground Up
To break the cycle of political corruption, we must elect leaders who serve the public interest, not those of vested interests. However, to achieve this, we must elect leaders who are willing to challenge vested interests.
Support Genuine Independents and Minor Parties
Research your candidates. Use platforms like:
Look for politicians who:
• Refuse corporate donations.
• Support restoring public ownership.
• Advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice
End the Corporate Capture
• Ban political donations from corporations.
• Institute media ownership limits.
• Make lobbyist meetings transparent.
Countries like Iceland and Norway have strong protections against this kind of political capture. Australia can, too.
Reversing the Rigged Game
From Canberra to Capitol Hill, political corruption shields those who serve power and punishes those who challenge it. Despots are protected not because they are competent, but because they are compliant.
This protection is often enabled by entrenched political corruption that rewards loyalty to power over loyalty to the public. Meanwhile, visionaries are discarded because they pose a threat, not to democracy, but to undemocratic power.
Yet, all is not lost. Australians can vote differently, demand better media, and understand their government’s monetary capacity. The path forward is not easy, but it is ours to choose.
Q&A: Addressing Reader Concerns
Q1: Is Australia really affected by deep state politics?
Yes. While not identical to the U.S., Australia’s political and economic elites – media moguls, lobbyists, and foreign policy advisors – work with limited transparency, often working behind the scenes to influence major decisions.
Q2: What does hidden power mean?
Hidden power refers to the influence exerted by unelected groups: multinational corporations, billionaires, intelligence services, and foreign governments. These actors rarely appear on ballots, but shape what governments can and cannot do.
Q3: Can Australians use our dollar sovereignty to change this?
Absolutely. As the issuer of its own currency, the Australian federal government can fund critical services without relying on private debt. This power should be used to serve the public, not to subsidise fossil fuels or private prisons.
🛡️ Legal Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It presents opinions and publicly available information about political figures and historical events. The views expressed are those of the author and are not intended to defame, mislead, or make unsubstantiated claims about any individual or group. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and fair comment within the bounds of Australian law, including protections for free speech and public interest journalism.
Call to Action: What You Can Do Now
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This article was originally published on Social Justice Australia
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