In a significant move highlighting the ongoing battle against conservative influence in Australia, the progressive advocacy organization GetUp has appointed David Sharaz, a former journalist, to a senior position. This decision comes as GetUp seeks to bolster its organizational strength and actively confront conservative factions like Advance.
Sharaz, who recently transitioned from a career in public relations, is notably married to Brittany Higgins, a former staffer of the Liberal Party. Higgins has been at the forefront of a highly publicized rape case that has shaken the realm of federal politics since 2021. In his new role, Sharaz will spearhead GetUp’s efforts in media accountability, countering misinformation, and enhancing political operations, drawing inspiration from international organizations such as the UK’s media reform initiative, Hacked Off.
After undergoing a phase of consolidation, GetUp announced plans to expand both its workforce and financial resources. The organization has seen a decline in visibility in recent years, attributed to staff changes, shifts in government leadership in Canberra, and the rise of new political entities, including Advance.
Reports indicate that GetUp is experiencing a growing membership base and possesses a robust financial reserve exceeding $1 million. Interim co-chief executive Paul Ferris emphasized that Sharaz’s appointment is a response to the evolving political landscape in Australia.
Ferris stated, "Rupert Murdoch and his billionaire media associates have weaponized their platforms, wielding them to pursue personal vendettas and distort the political climate in our country. We cannot allow such concentrated power to operate without oversight."
He expressed concerns about far-right groups becoming increasingly organized and well-funded, effectively utilizing traditional media and social networks to manipulate political narratives. "The threat to democracy is palpable," Ferris warned, stressing that an effective response necessitates a robust and experienced campaign infrastructure.
"GetUp members recognize and comprehend this danger, and with their backing, we have rebuilt our capabilities, strengthened our financial standing, and are reinvesting in our grassroots movement because the implications are too significant to ignore."
Sharaz shared with Guardian Australia that the organization intends to enhance its campaigning and communication strategies ahead of the upcoming federal election slated for early 2028. The focus will be on counteracting far-right movements and advocating for progressive policy advancements from the Albanese government.
He remarked, "When individuals feel marginalized, overlooked, and disenfranchised, they tend to gravitate towards extreme political positions, as recent surveys indicate. The message is unmistakable: it is essential for people's concerns to be acknowledged and represented in our political discussions."
In a related context, Bruce Lehrmann, a staff member of the Coalition, faced charges for allegedly raping Higgins at Parliament House. Although he pleaded not guilty, a criminal trial was halted due to juror misconduct, and subsequent trials were abandoned over concerns for Higgins’ well-being. Eventually, the federal court determined that Lehrmann had raped Higgins based on the civil standard of proof, leading him to seek to reverse this ruling with a challenge at the high court.
Following an initial defeat in a defamation suit, Lehrmann was ordered to pay $2 million in damages and is also responsible for covering his opponents' legal costs from his unsuccessful appeal.
Both Higgins and Sharaz faced bankruptcy due to defamation lawsuits initiated by her former employer, Linda Reynolds, who served as defense minister from 2019 to 2021.
This unfolding scenario raises significant questions about the intersection of politics, media influence, and justice in Australia. How do you perceive the balance of power between progressive and conservative forces in the current political landscape? Share your thoughts below!
