It is apparent to many readers that The Australian bolsters its own ideological narratives by selecting letters for publication almost entirely supporting its editorial line, even resorting to putting some letter-writers on high rotation. This creates a false impression of grass-roots support, and is an example of what is known as astroturfing.

Given that recent spampaigns included alleged bias at the ABC, academic freedom issues at Sydney University and free speech concerns around anti-discrimination law, this shows jaw-dropping hypocrisy.