Worked in the heart of government, not in any role of importance. Watched Federal Cabinet meetings and read the associated papers. Seen projects and plots and plans ushered through a Prime Minister's or Premier's office.

Public would probably like to think these processes are considered and methodical, driven by data and consultation and experts, and often they are.

But not always. Politics plays a considerable role as well and sometimes, politics is all that happens. Thought bubbles and lobbyists and mates converge to generate truly shit legislation and outcomes.

I believe that's what's occurred with the twin actions of dumping gambling ad reform and subsequently ramming through social media bans. Don't know this for a fact, wasn't there, but it stinks of bad polls and panic and desperation and Australian democracy at its worst.

#auspol #socialmedia