The Wire

A new book suggests that Australia’s democracy has sustained an attack on the very institutions that are supposed to keep it healthy, during the past 10 years of the Howard Government. The book, Silencing Dissent, has been edited by Clive Hamilton, the head of progressive think tank The Australia Institute and Dr Sarah Maddison from the University of New South Wales’ school of social sciences and International Studies. It features chapters from scientists, journalists academics and those working within the public service and parliament, all citing examples of the systematic attacks sustained by those who dissent in Australia today. Dr Maddison discussed the core issues of the book.