Debating whether Julian Assange is a journalist is irrelevant. He changed journalism forever

‘Is it foolish to ask if Assange is a journalist? Clearly, he has committed acts of journalism. And he has published true facts,’ Margaret Simons writes. Photograph: Rick Rycroft/AP

The two most consequential Australians in history are surely Rupert Murdoch and Julian Assange. Germaine Greer would come a distant third.

Unsurprisingly, Assange and Murdoch have gained their notoriety through journalism and the media. More surprising – but significant – is the fact both of them could be described as libertarians.