GetUp Strengthens Leadership to Counter Conservative Influence
Progressive political campaigning organisation GetUp has appointed former journalist David Sharaz to a senior leadership role as part of its efforts to rebuild organisational capacity and confront conservative groups such as Advance.
Sharaz, who most recently worked as a public relations executive, is married to Brittany Higgins, a former Liberal staffer whose rape allegation case has significantly impacted federal politics since 2021.
In his new role, Sharaz will oversee GetUp’s campaigns focusing on media accountability, misinformation, and political operations. He will draw on insights from international organisations, including the UK-based media reform campaign Hacked Off.
GetUp has indicated it is expanding both its workforce and financial resources following a period of consolidation. The organisation’s public profile had declined in recent years due to staff turnover, changes in government in Canberra, and the rise of new political actors.
Despite these challenges, GetUp reportedly has a growing membership base and a financial reserve exceeding $1 million.
Political Context and Strategic Focus
Interim co-chief executive Paul Ferris described Sharaz’s appointment as a response to the evolving political landscape in Australia.
"Rupert Murdoch and his billionaire media mates have used their outlets as weapons, pursuing vendettas and distorting politics in this country," Ferris said.
"We can’t keep allowing that level of power to operate without scrutiny."
Ferris also highlighted the increasing organisation and funding of far-right groups, which are leveraging traditional media and social platforms to influence political narratives.
"The democratic threat is real and responding to it requires serious, experienced campaign infrastructure.
GetUp members see and understand this threat, and with their support we’ve rebuilt capacity, strengthened our financial position and are investing again in our movement people because the stakes are too high not to."
Campaign Plans and Political Challenges
Sharaz told Australia that GetUp intends to expand its campaigning and communications efforts ahead of the next federal election, expected in early 2028. The organisation will prioritise combating far-right groups and advocating for progressive policy achievements under the Albanese government.
"When people feel isolated, ignored, and disenfranchised, they are pushed toward the political fringes, as recent polling shows," he said.
"The lesson is clear: people need to see their concerns taken seriously and reflected in our political discourse."
Background on Brittany Higgins and Related Legal Proceedings
Bruce Lehrmann, a former Coalition staffer, was charged with raping Brittany Higgins at Parliament House. Lehrmann pleaded not guilty, but the criminal trial was abandoned due to juror misconduct. A subsequent trial did not proceed because of concerns regarding Higgins’ welfare.
The federal court later determined, on the civil standard of proof—the balance of probabilities—that Lehrmann had raped Higgins. Lehrmann is currently seeking to overturn this ruling through a high court challenge.
Following an initial defamation loss, Lehrmann was ordered to pay $2 million in damages and is responsible for covering the legal costs of his opponents during his unsuccessful appeal.
Both Higgins and Sharaz were bankrupted in the aftermath of these events. Higgins was employed under the defence minister from 2019 to 2021.
