A progressive activist organization has elevated Brittany Higgins’ spouse to a top leadership position as it intensifies its efforts against conservative entities and influential right-wing media figures.
GetUp has brought onboard former journalist David Sharaz to increase its clout and challenge groups like Advance, amid growing concerns about the impact of ‘far-right’ elements on Australia’s democratic framework.
David Sharaz, the husband of ex-Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins, steps into this role after his wife’s allegations of sexual assault against Bruce Lehrmann in Parliament House in 2021 shook the nation and altered the political landscape.
Sharaz’s career includes experience as a media advisor within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as well as work at a media analysis firm in Canberra.
In his current position, Sharaz will lead GetUp’s initiatives focused on media responsibility, disinformation, and political strategies, taking cues from international activist movements like the UK’s controversial Hacked Off campaign for media reform.
GetUp asserts its ability to mobilize over a million supporters to sway elections, hold governments accountable, and tackle influential interests on a spectrum of issues, including electoral rights, environmental policies, and mental health funding.
Ms Higgins publicly celebrated the appointment, posting on Instagram that she was ‘proud of you boo’.
The organisation is understood to be rebuilding after recent political setbacks, with insiders claiming it now has a growing supporter base and a war chest of around $1million.
David Sharaz and Brittany Higgins (pictured) attend the ‘Silenced’ Premiere during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Utah
Lehrmann sued Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson in the Federal Court, claiming their interview with Brittany Higgins on The Project in February 2021 defamed him
Brittany Higgins posted on Instagram she was proud of her husband’s new role
Bruce Lehrman (pictured)
Interim co‑chief executive Paul Ferris said Sharaz’s appointment reflected what he described as a rapidly changing political environment.
‘Rupert Murdoch and his billionaire media mates have used their outlets as weapons, pursuing vendettas and distorting politics in this country,’ Ferris told The Guardian.
‘We can’t keep allowing that level of power to operate without scrutiny.’
Ferris warned that far‑right groups were becoming increasingly sophisticated, well‑funded and adept at using both mainstream media and social platforms to influence public debate.
‘The democratic threat is real,’ he said, adding that GetUp was investing heavily in campaign infrastructure and staff as the political stakes continued to rise.
GetUp has been contacted for comment.
Mr Sharaz has previously been branded Ms Higgins’ ‘puppet master’ and the mastermind behind the media blitz surrounding her allegations against Mr Lehrmann.
Mr Sharaz was a key figure in the negotiations to bring to light her Ms Higgins’ rape accusations against Mr Lehrmann, who has strenuously denied all her allegations.
GetUp chief Paul Ferris (pictured) said Rupert Murdoch and his billionaire media mates have used their outlets as weapons, pursuing vendettas and distorting politics in this country
He lined up meetings with Lisa Wilkinson on The Project to tell her story and acted as a go-between with Labor figures including ‘old friend’ finance minister Katy Gallagher.
Last month Bruce Lehrmann made a last-ditch effort to clear his name of findings he sexually assaulted Ms Higgins in Parliament House.
In April 2024, Justice Michael Lee dismissed the civil lawsuit, describing it as an ‘omnishambles’.
The judge’s findings that Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins on the balance of probabilities were upheld on appeal by the Full Federal Court in December.
The allegations were made public during an explosive interview on The Project in February 2021.
If Lehrmann loses his High Court bid, he could be forced into bankruptcy due to court orders he pay a $2million legal bill to Ten.
