Full Story Is Australia a conspiracy theory nation?
Aug 4, 2025
Ariel Bogle, an investigations reporter for The Guardian, and Cam Wilson, co-author of Conspiracy Nation, dive into Australia's growing conspiracy culture. They explore how fringe ideas, like anti-vaccine beliefs, have normalized in politics. The duo reveals the influence of global conspiracy movements on local narratives and the role of social media in spreading these theories. They also share insights on the emotional toll conspiracy beliefs take on relationships and emphasize the need for compassion to combat divisive ideologies.
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Conspiracy Beliefs Spectrum
- Beliefs exist on a spectrum from untested values to harmful conspiracy theories.
- Conspiratorial beliefs ignore evidence and can cause harm, yet many dabble in such ideas for comfort or entertainment.
Port Arthur Conspiracy Roots
- The Port Arthur massacre conspiracy theory denies the official account to resist gun law reforms.
- It frames a tragic event as a government setup to justify disarming the public, stirring distrust and fear.
Port Arthur as Online Pioneer
- The Port Arthur conspiracy was Australia's first major online conspiracy theory in the internet era.
- It spread widely through digital means, fueling broader distrust in government conspiracies.
