Is a US Network Undermining Aussie Democracy? What Voters Need to Know

As Australians gear up for the 2025 Federal election, it's crucial to understand the forces shaping our political landscape. One significant player is the Atlas Network, a U.S.-based organisation that promotes free-market principles through a global web of affiliated think tanks. But what exactly is the Atlas Network, and how does it influence Australian politics?

What is the Atlas Network?

Founded in 1981, the Atlas Network operates as an umbrella organisation, providing resources, training, and ideological frameworks to its network of approximately 600 affiliated think tanks across more than 100 countries, including Australia. It aims to achieve conservative political outcomes, often with a libertarian economic focus.

Key People Influencing Activities in Australia:

  • Brad Lips: CEO of the Atlas Network.
  • Matt Warner: President of the Atlas Network.
  • Tom Palmer: Executive Vice President.

How Does the Atlas Network Operate?

  • Indirect Influence: The Atlas Network disseminates its message and influences policy without direct involvement in controversial activities.
  • "Junk Tanks": It uses a network of "junk tanks" as propaganda networks to push right-wing agendas, produce reports and articles, propose policies, and promote ideas that justify changes in government policy, often pushing for more extreme positions to shift public opinion.
  • Training and Networking: The Atlas Network provides training events and networking opportunities centred around libertarian economic principles, teaching think tank staff how to set up their own networks and use others. Atlas targets university students and those in low-socio economic groups, and enrages them to take political action which is action that ultimately benefits the billionaire donors to Atlas. Atlas run ‘education’ under the guise of “Libertarian Economics”.
  • Secrecy and Limited Disclosure: Limited disclosure laws prevent Australians from knowing all the funders of Australian Atlas units, as private donations to junk tanks aren’t always considered ‘political donations’ and may not have to be disclosed under electoral laws.
  • Online Disinformation: The Atlas Network utilises online networks to attack climate change initiatives, Indigenous rights, and minority groups. The same networks, sponsors, and processes used in the "No" vote referendum are also responsible for online harassment of politicians and the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC).

How the Atlas Network Impacts Australian Politics

  • Shaping Policies: Atlas Network's Australian affiliates, such as the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) and the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS), actively shape policies, especially regarding climate change and energy. They have campaigned against carbon taxation and promoted fossil fuel interests, aligning closely with the economic agenda of the Liberal National Party (LNP).
  • Political Connections and Influence within the LNP:
    • The Liberal Party of Australia is a full member of the International Democrat Union (IDU), facilitating global networking, policy exchanges, and campaign strategies.
    • The Cormack Foundation, which influences candidate selection within the LNP, has connections to figures in the Atlas Network and has been known to promote candidates aligned with mining interests.
    • Former Prime Minister John Howard served as IDU Chairman, connecting Australian conservatism with global centre-right movements.
  • Funding Australian Affiliates: Resource extraction companies, such as Santos, Shell, BHP, Rio Tinto, and Western Mining Corp (WMC), have provided grants to Atlas Network's Australian affiliates like the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS).
  • Disinformation Campaigns: Atlas Network's Australian affiliates have engaged in disinformation campaigns, such as the one against the 2023 referendum on Indigenous constitutional recognition. Groups like Advance Australia, backed by fossil fuel interests, have led efforts to oppose Indigenous rights initiatives.
  • Promoting Nuclear Energy: There's a coordinated push for nuclear energy among Atlas-affiliated organisations, aligning with the LNP's policy discussions, which aims to create division within environmental movements and distract from renewable energy initiatives.

Specific Examples of Influence

  • Climate Change Denial: Many Atlas Network-affiliated think tanks and individuals are involved in online climate denialism, opposing efforts to transition to renewable energy.
  • Attacks on Indigenous Rights: The Atlas Network has been linked to attacks on First Nations indigenous rights in Canada and New Zealand, and also in Australia during the Voice Referendum.
  • Online Disinformation Networks: The Atlas Network is connected to online disinformation networks that spread propaganda and attack democracy. These networks harass politicians and the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) online and are involved in various political movements.
  • Voice Referendum: Think tanks affiliated with the Atlas Network played a significant role in the Voice Referendum, primarily by spreading disinformation and promoting the "No" vote.

Why Should Australian Voters Care?

  • Impact on Policy: The Atlas Network influences government policies in ways that often benefit wealthy donors and resource extraction companies, potentially at the expense of public services, environmental protection, and Indigenous rights.
  • Erosion of Trust: Disinformation campaigns and the spread of propaganda can erode public trust in institutions and democratic processes.
  • Threat to Democracy: The Atlas Network's activities in Australia impact the nation's democracy through shadowy propaganda networks influenced by oil and gas elites, foreign money, conservative religion, and neo-Nazi groups.
  • Incivility in Society: These networks contribute to incivility in society by pushing anger and hate online.

Call to Action: Protecting Australian Democracy

As Australian voters preparing for the 2025 Federal election, it is crucial to be aware of the Atlas Network and its influence on our political landscape. Here's how you can protect our democracy:

  • Stay Informed: Seek out diverse and reliable sources of information. Be critical of the information you encounter online, especially on social media.
  • Support Transparency: Advocate for greater transparency in political donations and lobbying activities. Demand that our elected officials disclose their connections to organisations like the Atlas Network.
  • Engage in Civil Discourse: Promote respectful dialogue and challenge hate speech and disinformation online and in your communities.
  • Hold Politicians Accountable: Ask your local candidates about their views on climate change, Indigenous rights, and government regulation. Vote for candidates who prioritise the public interest over private profits.
  • Support Independent Media: Encourage and sustain independent journalism and fact-checking initiatives that hold powerful actors accountable.
  • Be Aware of "Junk Tanks": Be aware of the think tanks connected to the Atlas Network and the information they provide. The list of Australian Atlas Network think tanks may include:
    • Australian Mont Pelerin Society (MPS)
    • Centre for Independent Studies
    • The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA)
    • The Saltbush Club
    • Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance
    • Advance Australia
    • LibertyWorks
    • Menzies Research Centre
    • And many others.

By taking these steps, we can safeguard our democracy from undue influence and ensure a more just and equitable future for all Australians.

The Atlas Network is also believed to be behind climate denialism online, using the same online networks.




Podcast:

The 'mother of all thinktanks' could be behind disinformation about the Voice referendum

Another interesting and relevant blog:


Finally, be cautious that you or people around you aren't being manipulated or influenced into their ideolgy etc:


 “moral outrage is the most powerful motivating force in politics – dominate the narrative”!










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