The "threat" of communism that the Australian government produced is highly debatable issue. Australia was being exposed to Communism, which was spreading south from Russia, through Asia and ultimately to Australia. The domino theory was a key belief in the mind of the public, spreading fear throughout the world. The Liberal party exploited the threat of Communism and the domino theory to help with their election campaign. They attempted to ban the Communist Party from Australian soils. Trade unions and political parties being suspect to communist infiltration, and a possible spy scandal, "The Petrov affair" added to the exaggerated threat...
favour. This led to Australia signing the ANZUS and SEATO treaties, in the hope of protecting this Capitalist bloc from the threat of Communism. In a further attempt to crush the Communist "menace" troops were sent to the Korean and Vietnam wars, which ensured Capitalist control of strategic territory. Also, a greater rivalry formed between the Liberal party and the ALP, due to Menzies suspecting the ALP of socialist aims.

The Australian Liberal Party responded strongly to the threat of communism, even to the degree of going against the Australian constitution. The retorts were both within Australia and beyond.