7am Conspiracy Nation part 2: From fringe to Parliament
Aug 13, 2025
Cam Wilson, co-author of Conspiracy Nation, dives deep into the rising acceptance of conspiracy theories within Australian society. He discusses how these fringe beliefs have infiltrated mainstream politics, often leading to protests and dangerous ideologies. The conversation covers the unsettling connection between conspiracies and violence, illustrated by specific incidents, as well as the growing phenomenon of pseudo law. Wilson emphasizes the importance of empathy towards those who believe in these theories while calling out the political exploitation of such narratives.
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Expose The 28 As A Shibboleth
- 'Expose the 28' became a persistent symbol across Australian protest movements, despite the original document being weak and unsigned.
- Cam Wilson says the phrase works as a conspiratorial shibboleth linking diverse protests to a single moral panic.
Conspiracies Are Politically Useful
- Politicians have sometimes flirted with conspiratorial rhetoric because it can mobilise a visible constituency and simplify political narratives.
- Cam Wilson warns that simple 'us vs them' frameworks make conspiracies politically useful and therefore likely to be adopted.
Mainstreaming Normalises Extremist Frames
- Mainstreaming anti-institutional ideas by politicians normalises frameworks like 'white replacement' and cultural Marxism.
- Cam Wilson and Ghassan Hajj argue normalisation can legitimise extremist narratives and make violence likelier.
