The Politics of Reaction

Abstract:     
In contrast to the thoroughly researched and considered process of law reform, this article argues that laws are often enacted by governments as a knee-jerk reaction to well-publicised events that capture the imagination of the public in the form of moral panics. The writings of Garland, Cohen and Poynting are noted. After a brief examination of the history of xenophobia in Australia, the article analyses the reaction of the media and politicians to a series of gang rapes perpetrated by young Muslim men of Lebanese and Pakistani background in NSW from 2000 and onwards. It examines the reasons for the laws that were passed, and the sentences imposed, in response to these violent crimes. It then analyses the catalysts for the large scale riots that occurred in the Sydney suburb of Cronulla following a bashing of lifesavers by several men of Lebanese Muslim background, focusing on the role of the media and politicians. It examines the revenge attacks by Lebanese men following the riots, and then the extraordinary powers given to police by the NSW Parliament following these events. It concludes by analysing the widespread distribution of tasers to police and the apparent sidestepping of safeguards recommended by the Ombudsman.

Keywords: Politics - knee-jerk reaction, moral panic, gang rape, Cronulla riot, Lebanese Muslims, fear of 'the Other', police powers, tasers, New South Wales

JEL Classifications: K10, K14, K30

Accepted Paper Series