Attempting to Silence the Social Sciences

Abstract

n a recent book, Silencing Dissent: How the Australian government is controlling public opinion and stifling debate, edited by Clive Hamilton and Sarah Maddison (Allen & Unwin, Sydney, 2007) brief mention was made of CAEPR. In his chapter on universities, Professor Stuart Macintyre used CAEPR as one example of attempts by the government of the day to restrict academic freedom (pp 51-52). Macintyre referred to a paper presented by Jon Altman at the Academy of the Social Sciences Symposium 'Ideas and Influence: Social Science and Public Policy in Australia' in November 2005. That paper, 'Indigenous affairs today: The "Influence Wars" and the attempt to silence the social sciences', is posted here as a CAEPR Topical Issue to ensure full transparency.