Greens propose a more comprehensive approach to protecting young people online
Media Release | Spokesperson Scott Ludlam
Monday 16th August 2010, 3:05pm
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Greens communications spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam, today proposed a more effective use for the $40.8 million the Government has budgeted for cyber safety – an approach involving PC-based filtering, further research into cyber safety risks, strengthened law enforcement, and net literacy education.
“The Greens believe Australians need a world-class national broadband network but we don’t need the Australian Government looking over our shoulder and filtering what we see,” Senator Ludlam said.
“I’ve long been on the record as a critic of the Government’s proposed mandatory ISP level filter. This has always been due to the simple fact that it won’t work, and it risks a number of unacceptable consequences.
“The Greens have no hesitation endorsing the need to protect young people from exploitation or distressing and harmful online experiences, and today I will outline practical ways to make a real impact on these problems.”
Senator Scott Ludlam is in Brisbane with Australian Greens lead Senate Candidate Larissa Waters to launch the initiative at a forum on cyber safety this evening.
“Queensland’s online community has been particularly disparaging of Labor’s mandatory internet filter, and want it to be dumped not just suspended. They can see that a voluntary filter at the household level would be more effective to protect kids,” Ms Waters said.
“Filtering has a role in preventing accidental exposure to material that is inappropriate for a young audience. But rather than filtering a very limited range of material at the ISP level that does not include, for example, X rated pornography or gambling sites, let’s place an obligation upon ISPs to offer PC-based filtering solutions that can be customised to block a much broader range of content at the household PC level.”
Senator Ludlam also announced complementary measures to broaden the agenda beyond a narrow focus on filtering.
“It is also important that we take steps to truly understand the nature of the threats to young people online – threats such as cyber bullying and grooming, which have resulted in loss of life. The Greens would prioritise research into such threats and the best way to combat them, as recommended by experts in the field,” Senator Ludlam said.
“The response that most people would like to see to child abuse is law enforcement. They would like to see the people responsible identified and prosecuted. The Greens advocate earmarked federal funding to boost cyber crime units in State and Territory police forces, and the establishment of a single, online contact point for cyber crime reporting and cross-jurisdictional coordination of the police response.
“Finally, young people must be assisted to develop the skills to critically evaluate what they encounter online, and respond in a way that keeps them safe and comfortable. We need comprehensive, consistent online education and media literacy skills taught throughout our schools.
“On broadband, Queensland’s country areas urgently need high quality, high speed broadband. The Coalition’s cheap and nasty plan won’t deliver, and Queenslanders are not impressed that Labor’s NBN would be sold off after five years. We will back the roll out of a reliable, high speed broadband network across this nation and are pushing for this asset to be kept in public hands to ensure prices don’t skyrocket for households,” Ms Waters said.
To obtain policy document or arrange interview contact Fernando de Freitas 0417 174 302
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