Whatever it takes: media management and optics rule this government

Everything, even the most remarkable and unprecedented circumstances around a tragic event, must be spun by this government and collaborating journalists.

Bernard Keane

Mar 03, 2021

scott morrison stands behind a podium facing members of the press — Prime Minister Scott Morrison addresses the media (Image: AAP/Lukas Coch)

Note: this story contains references to sexual assault.

Don’t think for a moment that today's self-outing of the accused cabinet minister wasn't every bit as stage-managed and media-savvy as everything else this government does.

As we’ve seen in recent weeks, there is literally nothing, however serious, however demanding of a non-political response, that will not be subordinated to the Morrison government imperative of spin and presentation.

Go deeper on the issues that matter.

Register your email address to get FREE access on a 21-day trial.

Or

Continue with Facebook

Continue with Google

By submitting this form, you agree to accept Crikey’s terms and conditions

About the Author

Bernard Keane

Politics editor @BernardKeane

Bernard Keane is Crikey's political editor. Before that he was Crikey's Canberra press gallery correspondent, covering politics, national security and economics.