Silencing Dissent : How the Australian government is controlling public opinion and stifling debate

This volume provides an unflinching analysis of the tactics employed by John Howard's government to silence its critics.

It covers dedicated mailing and e-mail campaign to targeted political interest media and organisations.For over a decade, John Howard's Australian government has found ways to silence its critics, one by one.

Australian citizens have become accustomed to repeated attacks on respected individuals and organizations.

For a government that claims to support freedom of speech and freedom of choice, only one kind of speech appears acceptable."Silencing Dissent" uncovers the tactics used by Howard and his colleagues to undermine dissent from many quarters.

Bullying, intimidation, public denigration, threats of funding withdrawal, personal harassment, and increased red tape have all been used to keep a lid on public debate.Deeply disturbing, yet unflinching in its investigation, this volume raises serious questions about the state of democracy in Australia on the eve of Howard's run at a fifth term.