Documentary Report: Analysis of Australian Governance and Politics

This report analyzes two documentaries focusing on Australian governance and political influence. The first documentary, "Palmer Drama," examines Clive Palmer's use of wealth to gain political power, the criticisms of his actions, and the functioning of Australia's governance institutions. It explores Palmer's interactions with the government and his political strategies, including his involvement in the Palmer United Party. The second documentary, "Money and Influence," delves into the impact of money on political decisions and public trust, highlighting the role of donations, lobbying, and potential corruption within the Australian political system. It presents key issues, including the transparency of political donations, the influence of corporations, and the potential for soft corruption. The report provides summaries of the documentaries, identifies key issues, and references relevant sources to support its analysis.

Documentary Report Information

Table of Contents
DOCUMENTARY 1.......................................................................................................................3
Palmer Drama.........................................................................................................................3
1. SUMMARY................................................................................................................................3
2. KEY ISSUES...............................................................................................................................3
Australian governance Institutions, structure and concepts...................................................3
Criticism.................................................................................................................................4
Representative government and Democracy..........................................................................4
Argument criticising or defending the functioning of Australia's governance Institution.....5
DOCUMENTARY 2.......................................................................................................................5
Money and Influence..............................................................................................................5
1. SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................5
2. KEY ISSUES...............................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8
Money and Influence..............................................................................................................9
1. SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................9
2. KEY ISSUES.............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

DOCUMENTARY 1
Palmer Drama
1. SUMMARY
Palmer Drama is a new era politician which was never seen in Australis and the individual is
known for using his wealth to earn political power. The commentary outlined about Clive Palmer
who stated that he will bankroll Palmer United Party for giving voice to millions of Australians
who can not be a part of government and political decision making. The focus of Four Corners
was on investigating rise of Clive Palmer. Marian Wilkinson is focused on spending time with
new elected members of Fairfax in Queensland and communicates to major political players.
Marian Wilkinson uncovers the information about Palmer which states that rise of Palmer Drama
can be at stake if things do not as per his plans. The Palmer Drama always mixed business with
politics. Palmer was involved inside the National party in Queensland and is now involved in
the Liberal National party. The Palmer Drama has established the dinosaur park which are
imported from China for the golf resort. Palmer is always quick to flick whether it talk about
business or politics. It is stated that Palmer united party will be thorn in the side of Abbott
government. According to Clive Palmer it will represent the people that cannot afford the
Lobbyist. It is stated that Queensland required more jobs, growth and economic development.
2. KEY ISSUES
Australian governance Institutions, structure and concepts
In the Documentary it has been stated that Clive Palmer does not care about its enemies
that consist of Queensland and Australian government. Moreover, it also consist of enemies
which include the business arm related to Chinese government.. In the transcript when Clive
Palmer and Marian Wilkinson were driving in the Golf -buggy the commentary continued and
stated that recent federal election which ensure that Palmer United Party will be put into Abbott
government. Moreover, it presented that Liberal National Party is in his Home State due to
which Palmer is Located in Canberra. Palmer is in Canberra in order to start with $8 billion
mining project in Queensland Galilee basin for which Palmer had trouble with the state
government. Palmer required the approval and investors to get the ground for the project. The
structure discusses about the Palmer Drama which is using the Wealth as the political power. The
discussion also included about the Dinosaur park and the way Palmer managed to make the

largest park in the Australia. Also, about the project of mining and the requirement of the
approval.
Criticism
Implicit Criticism stated in the transcript provided understanding about the connection
between Palmer and Palmer United Party but It is not clearly understood how they are related or
the purpose of their connection. Moreover, it is presented that Palmer's rise could be affected if
the things does not go as per their plan but what are the plan is not clear. The transcript included
the discussion that Palmer United party will be thorn in side of Abbott government but it is not
clearly understood or provided information about the Abbott government. It has presented about
the mining project but the reason for starting the mining project and the reason of the trouble
with the state government is not clearly stated in transcript. On the contrary explicit criticism are
those which are been clearly stated or understood by the information provided in the transcript.
In the transcript it has presented that Palmer Drama is the man that uses his wealth to win the
political power. It has been stated in the transcript that Clive palmer is the voice of Australian
which act as the representative for those that cannot afford the Lobbyist (Palmer, 2014. pg19(2)).
Moreover, it is the businessman that established the dinosaur park to attract the people towards
the resort. It is the largest park in the world as there are 160 dinosaurs. It is clearly stated that
Palmer is in Canberra because The Liberal National Party is in Home state of Queensland which
is turned against ordinary folk. Moreover, Palmer wants to start the mining project for which it
requires government approval and investor for the funding.
Representative government and Democracy
In the transcript the discussion held between Clive palmer and Lateline, Brisbane which
provided information about the candidates for the federal government. It has included the 127
seats in the House of representatives and all the Senate seats. It has included the discussion on
the Balance of Power which play an important party for the Politician. It has discussed that Clive
is divesting the power of anybody for which it need to put its palmer United party 's interest
above its own. As per KERRY O'BRIEN, which stated that Palmer and his Party have to re- run
the election for New Western Australian Senators (Palmer Drama, 2013). Moreover, it is
presented that Clive Palmer is using its wealth for attraction the customer towards the resort as it
is thing of interest. Clive palmer is going to become the new force of Australia politics with the
help of its wealth which means it is having the right to use the wealth for attracting the customers

towards its Resort. The Dinosaur Park created in the resort works on the basis of one vote, one
value. The discussion in transcript also presented about the right to be represented in which all
dinosaur are created equally which have the right to be represented . It has discuses about the
rights of Mine low grade iron at cape Preston. Palmer won the backing of Queensland's then the
labor government.
Argument criticising or defending the functioning of Australia's governance Institution
The transcript included the discussion about the enemies of palmer which include
Australian and Queensland government as well as the business arm of Chinese government.
Palmer criticised that Galilee Mine does not have the solution of the port and also there is no
rail line for the Mine under the NewMan government. CITIC argued In court about royalty
dispute escalated during palmer sought and Injunction to throw CITIC off a billion dollar Mine
all together. The Government argued on the palmer criticism that for the mine the palmer and
other miners can use their competitors corridor for the rail purpose.(Palmer, 2018). It is
discussed about the government policy to have multifunction port and for this they spent $50
million. There was a requirement for approval of the government for the project when the Liberal
national party took office. The Queensland Government was sued by Palmer over the Abbott
point decision. The advantage provided by the government was it supported the two railway
corridor. The politics is related to solving the problems and also to mange those problems. .
Palmer used his wealth and energy for getting involved in New political party. This means the
that the representative government will have a new political leader which uses his wealth for
resolving the problems and and to become the political leader. The government is able to
understand the problems which are faced and also is able to provide a good leader which assist
in providing democracy to the people.
DOCUMENTARY 2
Money and Influence
1. SUMMARY
Money and Influence is all about shadowy world of political domains which denotes about
the system where decision and rights of people can be easily influenced by money which is form
of corruption. The information of third week of election campaigning it is derived that political
parties are very transparent about the donors and there in return demands. The investigation of
Four corner is for the purpose of outlining about situation where quality of democracy and faith

of public on political institutions is at stake. Political parties and their campaign are highly
dependent on the donation the individual receive from unions, different organisations and private
firms (Money and Influence, 2016). As per constitutional lawyer key issue improved access to
people for making key decision which impacts corporate interests. Further, it is the situation
which can be restricted as it is the basic of democracy in region. In addition, from the discussion
it can be articulated that political institutions are the world which are far way from view of
public and runs with donation laws of the country. There are plenty of ways which allows
parties to hide identity if donors secret which is core reason behind increasing soft corruption.
According to McDermott and et.al., (2016), senior former fundraiser revealed about
prohibited donations which were made to political parties. The news outlined 2010 prohibited
donations which were channelled via Free Enterprise foundation. On the other hand, the
interview outlined about Liberal party Big backers where Brickworks a building material
manufactured gave $250,000 to free enterprise Foundation. This interview highlighted about the
mail by Paul Nicolaou for private dinner to with 10 senior’s business leader and Tony Abbott
where per person charge was 5,000$. The one major scenario in documentary was discussed for
the campaign over carbon tax where as per estimate of company rate of carbon tax is 25$ a ton
which will add 10 % manufacturing cost in country to which Brickworks declined and was
expecting a policy outcome.
2. KEY ISSUES
The documentary outlined about presentation of Sarah Ferguson who discussed about
spending of millions of dollars by political parties in pursuit of power. The presenter outlined
about political parties and institution who are heavily dependent upon donations. The transcript
outlined about the footage of Westfield Cooperation where Westfield gave 150,000$ to Free
Enterprise Foundation. In this transcript Stephen Mayen, a lobbyist was involved who was
making issue of donation reform. The activist stated about key question over governance practice
of providing large donation to political parties because of increasing numbers of dollars in
donation which has reached to 20million$. The lobbyist concluded by stating that it does not
look good for the country where big property developers are support to politician parties (Halpin
and Warhurst, 2016). Further, transcript outlined about Free Enterprise Foundation which is
biggest example of range of enterprises which have grown around donation system and have
avoided donation laws. Further, the transcript stated about biggest donors Paul Marks who is

mining millionaire who gave 1 million $ to Liberals at the of two biggest donors that to the ALP
is Construction union the CFMEU and shop workers union.
Implicit criticisms in transcript by Four corners is on donation parties and the amount where
the purpose of unclear. In accordance with donation to political institution it can be said that the
influence from different business person is shown but the purpose was unclear. However, the
presentation over different aspects that is lobbyist, involvement of media, private business person
and their meetings was clear which helped in deriving influence of money on political parties
which is soft corruption. However, the footage and voiceovers of ICAC hearings, annual general
meetings, etc. was clearly highlighted with relevant political parties and business persons
involved donation and avoidance of donation of law.
The transcript has involvement of democracy with money influence political institution and
decision making. It outlined about interest of individual in making donation to particular political
institution is individual democratic opinion. From Four corner transcript it has been highlighted
that what is at stake is quality of democracy because public is using it as weapon to support
political institution on which individual have faith. Further, the transcript outlines about
functioning of Australian democracy which lacks transparency about the amount of donation and
the purpose of donation on which it can be critically argued that donation of political institution
is for some specific purpose which is encouraging soft corruption.
In accordance with documentary and transcript it can be stated that Australian governance
structure of democratic practices of public can be revised for managing transparency in money
transfers from person to another. Further, there need to be clear specific purpose of donating
certain amount to any person. As per the Senator Sinodinos is the politician in the eye of the
most recent storm surrounding our system of political donations in transcript it is been identified
that Free enterprise Foundation led to serious breach of trust and donations laws. Hence, as per
outline over transcript it can be stated that revision of democratic rights and donation law in
Australia can help in reducing increasing soft corruption.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Halpin, D., & Warhurst, J. (2016). Commercial lobbying in Australia: Exploring the Australian
lobby register. Australian Journal of Public Administration. 75(1). 100-111.
Palmer, D. (Ed.). (2018). Visions of Tragedy in Modern American Drama. Bloomsbury
Publishing.
Palmer, S. (2014). Martyrdom and conflict: the fate of Antigone in tragic
drama. Mortality. 19(2). 206-223.
Online
Money and Influence. (2016). [Online]. Available through: <
https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/money-and-influence-promo/7429766 >.
McDermott, Q. & et.al. (2016). Former Liberal federal treasurer calls for overhaul of political
fundraising system. [Online]. Available through: < https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-
23/former-liberal-treasurer-calls-for-donation-overhaul/7435856 >.
Palmer Drama. (2013). [Online].Available through :<https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/palmer-
drama/5117552>

OCUMENTARY 2
Money and Influence
1. SUMMARY
Money and Influence is all about shadowy world of political domains which denotes about
the system where decision and rights of people can be easily influenced by money which is form
of corruption. The information of third week of election campaigning it is derived that political
parties are not very transparent about the donors and there in return demands. The investigation
of Four corner is for the purpose of outlining about situation where quality of democracy and
faith of public on political institutions is at stake. Political parties and their campaign are highly
dependent on the donation the individual receive from unions, different organisations and private
firms (Nelson, (2016 May). As per constitutional lawyer key issue improved access to people for
making key decision which impacts corporate interests. Further, it is the situation which can be
restricted as it is the basic of democracy in region. In addition, from the discussion it can be
articulated that political institutions are the world which are far away from view of public and
runs with donation laws of the country. There are plenty of ways which allows parties to hide
identity if donors secret which is core reason behind increasing soft corruption.
According to McDermott and et.al., (2016), senior former fundraiser revealed about
prohibited donations which were made to political parties. The news outlined 2010 prohibited
donations which were channelled via Free Enterprise foundation under review of Independent
Commission Against Corruption in High court. The interview outlined about Liberal party Big
backers where Brickworks a building material manufactured gave $250,000 to free enterprise
Foundation. This interview highlighted about the mail by Paul Nicolaou for private dinner to
with 10 senior’s business leader and Tony Abbott where per person charge was $ 5,000. The one
major scenario in documentary was discussed for the campaign over carbon tax whereas per
estimate of company rate of carbon tax is 25$ a ton which will add 10 % manufacturing cost in
country to which Brickworks declined and was expecting a policy outcome. In accordance with
campaign it can be outlined that Tony Abbott did not wanted any new taxes by two months later
Opposition leader, used a visit Brickworks subsidiary which is an Austral Bricks in Melbourne,
to campaign against the carbon tax

2. KEY ISSUES
The documentary outlined about presentation of Sarah Ferguson who discussed about
spending of millions of dollars by political parties in pursuit of power. The presenter outlined
about political parties and institution who are heavily dependent upon donations. The transcript
outlined about the footage of Westfield Cooperation where Westfield gave 150,000$ to Free
Enterprise Foundation. In this transcript Stephen Mayne, a lobbyist was involved who was
making issue of donation reform. The activist stated about key question over governance practice
of providing large donation to political parties because of increasing numbers of dollars in
donation which has reached to 20million$. The lobbyist concluded by stating that it does not
look good in the country where big property developers supports politician parties as it clearly
implies to concept of money and influence (Halpin and Warhurst, 2016). In accordance with this
it can be said that money from property develops to politician is for the purpose for own personal
sake. Further, transcript outlined about Free Enterprise Foundation which is biggest example of
range of enterprises which have grown around donation system and have avoided donation laws.
Further, the transcript stated about biggest donors Paul Marks who is mining millionaire who
gave 1 million $ to Liberals at the of two biggest donors that is Construction union the CFMEU
and shop workers union.
Implicit criticisms in transcript by Four corners is on donation parties and the amount where
the purpose of unclear. In accordance with donation to political institution it can be said that the
influence from different business person is shown but the purpose was unclear. However, the
presentation over different aspects that is lobbyist, involvement of media, private business person
and their meetings was clear which helped in deriving influence of money on political parties
which is soft corruption. However, the footage and voiceovers of ICAC hearings, annual general
meetings, etc. was clearly highlighted with relevant political parties and business persons
involved donation and avoidance of donation of law.
The transcript has involvement of democracy with money influence political institution and
decision making. It outlined about interest of individual in making donation to particular political
institution is individual democratic opinion. From Four corner transcript it has been highlighted
that what is at stake is quality of democracy because public is using it as weapon to support
political institution on which individual have faith. Further, the transcript outlines about
functioning of Australian democracy which lacks transparency about the amount of donation and

the purpose of donation on which it can be critically argued that donation of political institution
is for some specific purpose which is encouraging soft corruption. Griffiths, Chivers and Wood,
(2018 September), stated about Australia’s tolerance for a lack of government transparency
where bad policies are developed regardless of good policies just because to support powerful
groups. The study suggest that polices are developed to capture particular interest of people.
In accordance with documentary and transcript it can be stated that Australian
governance structure of democratic practices of public can be revised for managing transparency
in money transfers from person to another. Further, there need to be clear specific purpose of
donating certain amount to any person. As per the Senator Sinodinos who is a politician to most
recent storm surrounding Australian system of political donations in transcript it is been
identified that Free enterprise Foundation led to serious breach of trust and donations laws.
Hence, as per outline over transcript it can be stated that revision of democratic rights and
donation law in Australia can help in reducing increasing soft corruption.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Halpin, D., & Warhurst, J. (2016). Commercial lobbying in Australia: Exploring the Australian
lobby register. Australian Journal of Public Administration. 75(1). 100-111.
Online
Nelson, G. (2016 May). Money and Influence. (2016). [Online]. Available through: <
https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/money-and-influence-promo/7429766 >.
McDermott, Q. & et.al. (2016 May). Former Liberal federal treasurer calls for overhaul of
political fundraising system. [Online]. Available through: <
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-23/former-liberal-treasurer-calls-for-donation-
overhaul/7435856 >.
Griffiths, K., Chivers, C., & Wood D. (2018 September). Influence in Australian politics needs
an urgent overhaul – here’s how to do it. [Online]. Available through: <
https://grattan.edu.au/news/influence-in-australian-politics-needs-an-urgent-overhaul-heres-
how-to-do-it/ >.