Slashdot Mirror
Australian IT Minister Alston Replaced
srouvray writes "The Australian is reporting: In a re-shuffle of the Australian Federal Cabinet, current Communications Minister Richard Alston will be replaced (Alston is going to retire) with Attorney General Darryl Williams. Alston is 'credited' for introducing tough anti-spam laws into parliament... Although it will be interesting to see if Williams will be branded a 'Luddite' as well!"
I can tell you now, he couldnt have done much worse than Alston... And as igorant as this may seem, let me address each issue.
* trying to destroy the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
The first step to having equal rights is non discrimination, being a certain race in Australia can make your life easier, dont belive me, go to your local "dole" queue, and tick the box -i do not wish to disclose my race-
# Being the force behind Australia's equivalent of the Patriot Act
Well, we do have to catch up on 1984, but seriously, who watches the watches.. lets wake up.
Refusing to defend a homosexual judge, despite being bound by his position as Attorney General to act as an advocate and protector for the judiciary
If you wathced the news, you would see that there is more to this, than i can explain here.
Refusing to accept UN reports on racism in Australia
Yes, the UN over sensationalised the reports. Dont believe me, live here for 10 years, read it, then make your decision
Lobbying for increased intellectual property rights
I think that was his party decision, and not just his.
Lobbying for laws allowing Australia's spy agency, ASIO, to read domestic emails
No, what he lobbied for was access to eschelon.
Supporting the increase in the rate of phone tapping
I agree with this one, AU has the best phone network in the world, and yet we dont use it for high tech crime fighting, what gives ?
And generally trampling on human rights and civil liberties wherever possible.
Not everything is as simple as it seems.