The Australian Freedom Conference is a 2024 tour of Australia by American right-wing political commentator Tucker Carlson and Australian businessman and former politician Clive Palmer (the leader of the United Australia Party). The events, titled Freedom Conferences, are being held around Australia with several guest speakers, including Dr Melissa McCann (a Queensland GP who is against COVID-19 vaccine mandates) and American filmmaker and conspiracy theorist Dinesh D'Souza.[1]
| Duration | 21 June – 1 July |
|---|---|
| Venue |
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| Theme | Right-wing politics |
| Organised by | Clive Palmer |
| Participants |
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Hosted by Palmer's mining company, Mineralogy, the tour claims to raise awareness for threats to freedom and democracy in the Western world. The tours criticise Western governments for allegedly violating human rights, with a particular focus on issues such as restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] However, the tour has been widely criticised for promoting conspiracy theories, misinformation and Trumpist propaganda,[3] with some even labelling Carlson's views as Putinist.[4]
At the Brisbane event pro-democracy activist Drew Pavlou staged a pro-Ukrainian protest, and was fined nearly $1000 AUD.[5][6]
References
edit- ^ "Tucker Carlson tops the bill at Clive Palmer's Australian Freedom Conference".
- ^ "'Do not let your leaders change your country': Tucker Carlson's plea to Australians".
- ^ "Tucker Carlson's 'freedom conference' is perhaps the very threat to truth, democracy and personal freedoms". 16 May 2024.
- ^ "Tucker Carlson Takes Putin's Propaganda on Tour Down Under - Why Should Australians be Concerned?".
- ^ "Drew Pavlou stages protest at Tucker Carlson show". 24 June 2024.
- ^ "Drew Pavlou stages Ukraine protest at Tucker Carlson show". 24 June 2024.