Hate speakers: Following the money

This project seeks to uncover the funding sources and strategies of the speaking tours of right-wing hate speakers in Australia (covering the period 2015-2019). It will look at who this involves (speakers), where the money comes from (the groups/organisations/individuals who host such tours), and who funds them. The research will also look at the financial strategies and networking mechanisms of such events. The team will identify the features of far-right hate speech in Australia, compared to mainstream right-wing speech, and will examine the average effects of far-right hate speech, vs mainstream right-wing speech, on the audiences’ support and political engagement, including willingness to donate for the cause. The project will draw on diverse methods, including analysis of mainstream and alternative media platforms, content analysis, in-depth interviews and a literature review, textual analysis and experimental research.

Who’s Involved?

• Western Sydney University

• Deakin University

• Victoria University

• Department of Justice, Victoria

• All Together Now

• CRIS Stream 2 - Tackling Hate: The Practitioners Working Group

What’s Next?

• A Report to relevant government agencies will be developed. This includes the Department of Justice, Victorian government, ASIO, Victoria Police and Department of Home Affairs.

• Findings from the research will be provided that can inform agency responses to right-wing hate speech.

• Factsheet will be developed in partnership with Bridge Initiative at Georgetown University.

• Workshop will be conducted with community peaks and stakeholders to disseminate research findings and develop possible interventions.