Slashdot Mirror
AU Government Censors Document On Planned Web Snooping
MrPPS writes "The Australian Government plans to force ISPs to record and retain all citizens' communications traffic. The Sydney Morning Herald requested that the proposed policy documents be released under Freedom of Information laws. What they received was a document that was 90% censored, in order to prevent 'premature unnecessary debate.' More discussion on the Greyhat Security site. Here is the redacted document (PDF, 3.6 MB)."
They did it to stop 'premature unnecessary debate', apparently.
They don't want any facts or public opinion getting in the way of something they have already decided on and that serves nobody else but themselves.
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/no-minister-90-of-web-snoop-document-censored-to-stop--premature-unnecessary-debate-20100722-10mxo.html?rand=1279849637950
http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/354283/government_stifles_debate_web_browser_history_retention/
Like they were popular enough already with the manditor filter? And comming up to an election I have to ask, WTF?
Those who can, do. Those who cannot, sue.
There are two major parties in Australia, the Labor party and a coalition between the Liberal Party and the National Party.
Both are pretty much the same, Labor is perhaps centre left, and the other two are Centre Right. Though in American terms they would all probably be classed as far left.
The balance of power at the moment is pretty much 45% Labor, 45% Coalition, 10% smaller parties.
The smaller parties are Independants (Generally Centre Right), Greens (Left wing), and the Family First party (Ultra right wing).
Essentially for any government to get anything done they need to get the Family First party onboard, and in general, Christian votes. The Family First party is pretty much a church group, all their candidates are former Pastors etc.
So basically:
- Christians (in South Australia) hold the swing vote.
- Most Australians think this shit is bullshit.
- Our opinion doesn't count.
You have your choice in the upcoming election with a choice of up to 25 parties for Senate and House of Representatives (Upper and Lower house respectively).
There's websites like my website ShockSeat's Federal parties list that'll give you some basic information about parties. Or you can try Wiki's list of Political parties in Australia. Or simply look up the party names, almost all of them have websites and see what they have to say.
My last comment for those who feel demoralised at 'duopoly' of major parties and considered not voting; if you don't vote, then Australia would still continue to be represented by voters. Don't complain that you're not represented for the next 4 years.