Michael West (57Min)

University of Sydney

Abstract

Michael will speak on the subject of “corporatocracy”, that is, the encroaching power of the corporation in government. Political donations, lobbying, the toxic influence of “dark money” over policy, the media and political processes are some of the themes he will explore.

Overview https://www.michaelwest.com.au/how-business-lobbyists-trump-your-vote/

Brief Bio

Michael West spent two decades working as a journalist, stockbroker, editor and finance commentator before striking out on his own in July 2016.

Having worked for eight years investigating financial markets and big business for Rupert Murdoch’s The Australian and another eight years for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald at Fairfax Media, West has established michaelwest.com.au to focus on journalism of high public interest. Michael is a Walkley-award winning journalist and his main areas of focus are energy/climate, multinational tax avoidance, and how big business intersects with government.

West was appointed Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Sydney’s School of Social and Political Sciences last year. The role is to work with the School’s Sydney Democracy Network, investigating money in politics, corporate influence and the intersection between government and big business.