Former Riverina journalist Barrie Cassidy to discuss democracy’s future

Former Riverina journalist and Australian political commentator Barrie Cassidy is sounding the alarm about the fragility of Australia’s democratic institutions in light of current global political shifts.

The veteran journalist is set to give a talk at Charles Sturt University tonight (14 November) to unpack the far-reaching ramifications of the relationship in trade, security, foreign policy, and beyond.

With 40 years of covering federal politics under his belt, Barrie told Region he deeply understood the importance and value of democracy.

“When you see what’s happening overseas and some of the developments here in Australia … it [democracy] is something that I’m passionate about,” he said.

After becoming chair of Old Parliament House (Museum of Australian Democracy), it soon became apparent to Barrie that fostering discussion and debate around democracy was of paramount importance.

“Australia is not immune from some of the viruses out there,” he said.

When asked about his concerns regarding the impact of the recent US election results on Australia, Barrie said, “Australia can withstand a Trump presidency.

“I worry for America, and I worry about how authoritarian governments around the world can use the experience now of the United States and say to their people, ‘Well, as you can see autocracies are better than democracy’.

“Look at what’s going on in the United States. They will use that as a propaganda tool.

“It will depend on whether Trump governs as a Democrat or an autocrat. The early signs suggest that his former chief of staff and former military head are right — that deep down, he’s a dictator, and that’s how he’ll operate.”

Despite the experienced political correspondent’s confidence in Australia’s ability to withstand foreign political shifts, he warns of the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation.

“Misinformation and disinformation are a big threat, and Australia is not immune to that,” Barrie said.

“It’s out there on the platform, and so far, no governments have found a way to counteract it.

“We should be putting our focus on that and come up with ways to see people are getting information factually.”

He said mainstream media was currently diminishing, creating a vacuum that was being filled by platforms where misinformation flourished.

The analyst said misinformation was an immense challenge and acknowledged the government’s efforts. However, it would require a federal agency to determine what constituted misinformation.

“It unsettles some people and they don’t like that arbitrary approach,” he said. “If that approach can’t be adopted we have to come up with something.

“Watch what will happen with Elon Musk right in the inner sanctum of the White House. He’s got a financial, political, economic interest in X (formerly Twitter).

Barrie said that while Australia lacked direct influence like Musk’s, misinformation remained a major concern, posing a significant threat to democracy.

The ABC commentator said Australia was still one of the best democracies worldwide when compared to other countries.

“We have the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) which manages our elections on a national scale, unlike America, which has different rules in every state,” he said.

“In my view, our AEC ensures that we have the best and fairest elections in the world. We have compulsory voting … Voting is not only a right but it’s a civic obligation.

“Our ministry is picked from elected politicians … people who are accountable to the public, whereas in the United States, they’re handpicked.

“And we’re seeing the worst of that right now in the United States, with Donald Trump, picking hardliners who will sign up to whatever he wants without question.”

Born in Chiltern, Victoria, the television host began his career at the Border Mail in Albury before working in Canberra’s Old Parliament House.

“I grew up in a country town of about 800 people and as a kid, it’s a fantastic way to grow up because the whole town becomes your playground and there was so much freedom to wander around as long as you are home before dark.

“We had an understanding … The Border Mail and the Advertisers. We didn’t go into each other’s territories but when covering sporting stories there was an overlap.

“I spent quite a bit of time in Wagga.”

An evening with Barrie Cassidy begins at 5:30 pm at Charles Sturt University. Visit Charles Sturt University to find out more or grab your tickets.