Turning Point Australia: From Lifestyle to Culture War
George Mamalis, who previously managed an Instagram account focused on lifestyle content, has shifted its focus to culture war material. Mamalis is a leader in the Australian branch of Turning Point, an organization founded by Charlie Kirk. The national director of Turning Point Australia, Joel Jammal, stated that the organization was established following a recommendation from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, with Kirk's approval.
Expansion and Objectives
Turning Point Australia intends to expand by establishing chapters across the country, including in high schools and universities. The organization aims to influence election outcomes and restore what it describes as "conservative leadership" in parliaments.
Its mission is to integrate its values into the political landscape.
Key Figures and Political Affiliations
Mamalis has previously worked for political figures including former South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs, independent SA MLC Sarah Game (formerly with One Nation), and Liberal senator Alex Antic. Mamalis's social media content now addresses topics such as "mass migration," net zero policies, transgender issues, and the perceived replacement of Western culture.
Jammal has outlined a strategy to bolster minor right-wing parties in South Australia's upcoming election in March, intending to use this approach as a blueprint for future elections.
Mamalis has referred to Senator Antic as "the King" and the "real leader of the Liberal party," suggesting a goal to remove moderates and establish a party composed of "ultra-conservative Christians."
Engagement with External Groups
Mamalis has appeared on podcasts discussing various topics, including immigration, climate change, and fertility rates. He became more vocal during the COVID-19 pandemic after engaging with a researcher who questioned approved vaccines.
Mamalis has also stated he engages with neo-Nazi groups, advising them against strategies that could lead to censorship and violence, and asserting that their ideology is not suitable for mainstream Australia. He has encouraged them to study "elite theory" to understand how to win over swing voters.
Expert Analysis and Broader Context
Experts observe an increase in transnational cooperation among groups broadly opposed to "enemies of Western civilization."
Experts observe an increase in transnational cooperation among groups broadly opposed to "enemies of Western civilization."
Dr. Kurt Sengul of Macquarie University noted an exchange of strategies and tactics among these groups, suggesting that the recent passing of Charlie Kirk has mobilized individuals. This network is described as loosely connected but contributes to the mainstreaming of certain ideas through conservative political groups.
Lise Waldek, a terrorism studies lecturer, highlighted how some right-wing groups utilized the pandemic to disseminate misinformation, leading to an increase in language associated with far-right extremism.
Waldek explained the concept of "opening the Overton window," where ideas are mainstreamed by co-opting political discourse.
Themes such as "mass migration" and opposition to net zero targets are reportedly being mainstreamed by politicians.
Lucy Hamilton, a doctoral researcher, expressed concern about a growing conservative voting bloc and the susceptibility of Australian party structures to groups with undisclosed motives. She also noted concerns about information integrity, suggesting a "failure of civic responsibility" where the public may not be fully informed about the agendas of political candidates.