When George Mamalis launched his Instagram account a decade ago, it was a vibrant canvas of beaches, sunsets, cute dogs, and aesthetically pleasing food shots. Today, the page has transformed into a platform for culture war material, marking Mamalis as a significant figure within Australia’s rightwing ecosystem. He now leads the Australian branch of Turning Point, a conservative organization founded by Christian firebrand Charlie Kirk.
Turning Point Australia, under the national directorship of Joel Jammal, aims to expand its influence by establishing chapters across the country, including in schools and universities, with the goal of impacting election outcomes. This strategic move was reportedly initiated on the recommendation of Reform UK’s leader, Nigel Farage, with Kirk’s endorsement.
The Evolution of George Mamalis
Mamalis’s journey into politics began with his work for former South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs, independent SA MLC Sarah Game, and Liberal senator Alex Antic, who is described by some as “Trumpian.” His Instagram account, The Adelaide Set, initially focused on lifestyle content but gradually incorporated posts questioning vaccine safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, it predominantly features rightwing issues such as “mass migration,” net zero policies, and the perceived persecution of Christians.
Turning Point Australia’s mission is to “breathe our values into politics” and unite minor rightwing parties to restore “conservative leadership” in parliaments. Jammal has outlined plans to boost these parties in South Australia’s upcoming election, using it as a template for future campaigns.
Strategies and Controversies
In a recent podcast, Jammal and Mamalis discussed their ambitious plans to establish Turning Point chapters nationwide. Jammal expressed a desire for politicians to perceive them as a significant threat to voter information, describing the group as “ambassadors” for freedom, free speech, family values, and business. He emphasized that this vision was entrusted to them by Charlie Kirk.
“That’s the vision ultimately Charlie Kirk trusted us with,” Jammal stated.
Despite these ambitions, Turning Point Australia has not provided specific details to substantiate its electoral influence claims. Their strategy includes distributing how-to-vote cards favoring minor rightwing parties, particularly in South Australia, where they hope to refine their approach for future elections.
Expert Opinions and Wider Implications
Dr. Kurt Sengul, a Macquarie University research fellow, highlights the increasing transnational cooperation among rightwing groups, spurred by events such as the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He notes that these groups exchange strategies and tactics, attempting to replicate successful models from other contexts.
“There’s an increasing transnational cooperation between groups that are broadly united against the ‘enemies of Western civilisation’,” Dr. Sengul observed.
Experts like Lise Waldek, a terrorism studies lecturer at Macquarie University, warn of the mainstreaming of extremist rhetoric. She describes a tactic known as “opening the Overton window,” where fringe ideas are gradually normalized within mainstream discourse.
Lucy Hamilton, a doctoral researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, points to the conservative voting bloc’s expansion, drawing in diverse groups under its umbrella. She cautions that while Australia’s electoral system offers some protection, the country’s fragile party structures are vulnerable to infiltration by groups with undisclosed motives.
The Future of Rightwing Influence in Australia
Despite these challenges, the rightwing movement in Australia faces hurdles, particularly in capturing the youth vote. Dr. Sengul suggests that Turning Point Australia may struggle to rebrand conservative Christian values for younger Australians, given the country’s less pronounced religious dynamic compared to the United States.
As Mamalis and his peers navigate this complex landscape, their actions will likely continue to spark debate and scrutiny. The unfolding narrative of rightwing influence in Australia remains a focal point for political analysts, with implications that could resonate far beyond its borders.
