Progressive political campaigning organisation GetUp has announced the appointment of former journalist David Sharaz to a senior role, as it strengthens its operations to confront conservative groups, including Advance, ahead of the 2028 federal election.
Rebuilding and Expanding Campaign Efforts
GetUp is in the process of rebuilding its organisational capacity and expanding its workforce, following a period of consolidation. The group has reported a growing membership base and a war chest exceeding $1 million, positioning it to intensify its efforts in the lead-up to the next election.
Sharaz's Background and Role
David Sharaz, most recently a public relations executive, is married to former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins, whose high-profile rape case has significantly impacted federal politics since 2021. In his new position, Sharaz will oversee GetUp's campaigns focused on media accountability, misinformation, and political operations. He plans to leverage insights from international organisations, such as the UK-based media reform campaign Hacked Off, to enhance these initiatives.
Addressing Democratic Threats
Interim co-chief executive Paul Ferris highlighted the changing political landscape in Australia, warning that far-right groups are becoming more organised and better funded. He criticised media outlets, particularly those associated with Rupert Murdoch, for distorting politics and pursuing vendettas. Ferris emphasised the need for scrutiny and robust campaign infrastructure to counter what he described as a real democratic threat.
Sharaz echoed these concerns, noting that GetUp aims to expand its campaigning and communications work to combat far-right groups and push the Albanese government for progressive policy outcomes. He pointed to recent polling indicating that when people feel ignored, they may turn to political extremes, underscoring the importance of addressing public concerns in political discourse.
Legal Context and Personal Background
The appointment comes amid ongoing legal proceedings related to Brittany Higgins' case. Coalition staffer Bruce Lehrmann was charged with raping Higgins at Parliament House and pleaded not guilty. A criminal trial was abandoned due to juror misconduct, and another did not proceed over concerns about Higgins' welfare. The federal court later found, on the balance of probability, that Lehrmann raped Higgins, a ruling Lehrmann is challenging in the High Court. Lehrmann has been directed to pay $2 million in damages and cover legal costs from his defamation loss.
Both Higgins and Sharaz were bankrupted in defamation proceedings brought by her former boss, Linda Reynolds, who served as defence minister from 2019 to 2021. Despite these challenges, Sharaz's role at GetUp signals a renewed focus on activism and political engagement in Australia.
