Abstract
One fascinating aspect of the Newman government’s “war on bikies” in Queensland has been the battle for the hearts and minds of average citizens.
In an attempt to convince the public of the threat – and the need for the unparalleled laws introduced to counter it – the government has engaged in a vigorous public relations campaign aimed at showing the menace of the criminal threat.
But as former US vice-president Hubert Humphrey noted:
Propaganda, to be effective, must be believed. To be believed, it must be credible. To be credible, it must be true.
So, has the campaign worked? Have Queenslanders readily accepted the laws?
In an attempt to convince the public of the threat – and the need for the unparalleled laws introduced to counter it – the government has engaged in a vigorous public relations campaign aimed at showing the menace of the criminal threat.
But as former US vice-president Hubert Humphrey noted:
Propaganda, to be effective, must be believed. To be believed, it must be credible. To be credible, it must be true.
So, has the campaign worked? Have Queenslanders readily accepted the laws?
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | The Conversation |
| Publication status | Published - 21 Feb 2014 |
