In a bold move that’s sure to spark debate, progressive advocacy group GetUp has appointed former journalist David Sharaz to a senior role, signaling a renewed effort to counter what it calls the ‘democratic threat’ posed by conservative organizations like Advance. But here’s where it gets controversial: Sharaz’s appointment comes at a time when the lines between media, politics, and personal lives are blurrier than ever—he’s married to Brittany Higgins, the former Liberal staffer whose high-profile rape case has shaken Australian federal politics since 2021. And this is the part most people miss: Sharaz’s role will focus on media accountability, misinformation, and political operations, drawing inspiration from international campaigns like the UK’s Hacked Off. Is this a necessary check on power, or an overreach? Let’s dive in.
GetUp, once a dominant force in progressive campaigning, is rebuilding after a period of decline marked by staff turnover, shifting political landscapes, and the rise of new players like Advance. With a growing membership base and a war chest exceeding $1 million, the organization is doubling down on its mission. Interim co-chief executive Paul Ferris framed Sharaz’s appointment as a response to Australia’s evolving political environment, where ‘Rupert Murdoch and his billionaire media mates’ have wielded their platforms as ‘weapons,’ distorting public discourse. Here’s the kicker: Ferris warns that far-right groups are becoming more organized and funded, leveraging both traditional and social media to skew politics. ‘The democratic threat is real,’ he insists, and GetUp’s members are rallying to meet it head-on.
Sharaz himself told Guardian Australia that GetUp plans to ramp up its campaigning and communications efforts ahead of the 2028 federal election, targeting far-right groups and pressuring the Albanese government for progressive policies. ‘When people feel isolated, ignored, and disenfranchised, they’re pushed toward political extremes,’ he noted, citing recent polling. But here’s the question: Is this a fair assessment, or does it oversimplify the complexities of political polarization? Sharaz argues that addressing these concerns requires serious, experienced campaign infrastructure—something GetUp is now investing in.
The Higgins-Lehrmann case, which remains a contentious chapter in Australian politics, adds another layer of complexity. Bruce Lehrmann, a Coalition staffer, was charged with raping Higgins at Parliament House but pleaded not guilty. The criminal trial was abandoned due to juror misconduct, and a second trial was halted over concerns for Higgins’ welfare. A federal court later ruled, based on the civil burden of proof, that Lehrmann raped Higgins, though he’s challenging this in the High Court. Lehrmann was ordered to pay $2 million in damages and cover legal costs after losing his defamation appeal. Meanwhile, Higgins and Sharaz were bankrupted by defamation proceedings brought by her former boss, Linda Reynolds, who served as defense minister from 2019 to 2021. Here’s the controversial angle: How much does this personal history influence Sharaz’s new role, and is it fair to scrutinize it? Or should we focus solely on the work ahead?
As GetUp gears up for its next chapter, the stakes are undeniably high. With Sharaz at the helm of its media and political campaigns, the organization is positioning itself as a counterweight to conservative forces. But the question remains: Can it succeed in a political landscape that’s more divided than ever? And what does this mean for the future of Australian democracy? We want to hear from you: Is GetUp’s approach the right one, or does it risk deepening political divides? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
