Makers and shapers

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Makers and shapers

The Coalition election campaign received a powerful thumbs-up from big business on September 23. John Howard was feted and praised by 1000 of Sydney's business tops at a free lunch put on by millionaire Harry Triguboff.

The business heavyweights were joined by personalities such as singer Kamahl and rugby union legend David Campese. Liberal-appointed chairperson of the ABC Donald McDonald described Howard as "an absolute gentleman and a proud man possessed of a deep humility".

The ultimate seal of approval, though, came from media mogul and Australia's wealthiest person, Kerry Packer. Kim Beazley, Packer decreed, still needed "another few years in the wilderness".

Packer's support for Howard is a thank you for the deregulation and other "reforms" of the media and communications industries delivered by the federal government.

Howard has made vague comments on the cross-ownership laws currently "under review". This is little more than a wink and nod to Packer and Murdoch, as they plan their next move to expand their media empires.

Packer and Murdoch may have dropped their old Labor mates for now, but deep down, surely, they both must cherish the days of old with Hawke and Keating? Murdoch's family fortune, for example, blossomed from $250 million to $2.5 billion in the first four years of the Hawke government. Similarly, Packer's wealth rose from $100 million to more than $2 billion.

With media ownership becoming more concentrated, centralised and controlled by a few wealthy men, an independent news source like Green Left Weekly becomes increasingly indispensable.

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