Since I sent an email about the proposed internet filter to the local Labor rep it’s only fair to do the same to Liberal:
Hi Pat,
With the announcement of a federal election I am contacting you regarding the one policy that I am concerned about (for now) – the proposed internet filter.
I have been following this issue since it was brought to my attention and am perplexed that the internet filter persists. It replaces an abolished system which put the onus on families/users to install filtering software on their own pc’s (should they wish to), providing no more secure ‘protection’ than it’s predecessor. The arrogance with which Stephen Conroy has and continues to pursue the internet filter while throwing Australian tax-payer dollars to the wind, for something at least 50% of Australians do not want, is astounding and suggests that there is more to it than meets the eye.
A much better system would be for the government to establish their own ISP which those who desire a filtered internet can sign up, but I presume the only reason this is not being done is because the objective is actually to get a foot in the door for total internet information control for all Australians.
Understand that International internet access in Australia is already woeful and adding the bottleneck of a filter will only make it worse, the cost being no particular benefit to at least 50% of Australians (not to mention that it is mandatory). The fact the the more people learn of the filter the less they want it should be telling.
Please let me know your thoughts and ideas as to how you, as my representative, will work towards abolishing the proposed internet filter.
Regards
Ben Harris
