🚀 go-pugleaf

kauer@pcug.org.au (Karl Auer) wrote:

>Last Thursday, the final report from the Senate Select Committee on 
>Community Standards Relevant to the Supply of Services Utilising Electronic 
>Technologies was released, entitled "Regulation of Computer Online Services - 
>Part 2".

>Grab it. Read it. Weep that our legislators can waste so much time listening 
>and then demonstrate so clearly that they have heard nothing.

>I urge people to write NOW to their Senator, to their MHR and to 
>object most strenuously to these recommendations.

>Do not be so foolish as to think this will not become law unless someone 
>objects to it. And please do not be doubly foolish to think that any 
>statements made online will ever reach the eyes or ears of those who matter - 
>those who matter in this process ARE NOT ON LINE. You must WRITE ON PAPER to 
>get to them.

I hear you loud and clear. A few years ago the government in their
infinite wisdom decided to introduce a compulsory helmets law for
cyclists, and they succeeded because people did not make enough noise
about it. Three years down the track they will not listen to reason,
it does not matter that the main effect of the law was to discourage
cycling, it does not matter that after allowing for changed traffic
conditions and reduction in cyclists the rate of head injuries has
actually increased, it does not matter that there is a similar or
greater risk of head injuries to pedestrians and motorists and so the
law discriminates unfairly, it does not matter that the 'cost' to the
community (their main justification for the law) may have actually
increased because of the law. They "think that helmets are a good
idea" and that is that. 

And so because people did not make enough noise before the law, it
became law, and once a law is passed, it is ten times harder to
repeal. Believe me, I know. 

I have written to the ACT Legislative Assembly and their ignorance is
astounding. Funny thing is, the only opponent to the helmets law is
Michael Moore, and he rides a bicycle, with a helmet, and did so
before the law! (anyone wishing to discuss the helmets issue further,
the proper place is rec.bicycles.misc).

As Karl says, write to these legislators NOW, before it is too late.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!! 

It is important for people to know who to write to. In Downer, my
representative is:
	Senator Bob McMullan
	GPO Box 1947
	Canberra ACT 2601
	Fax: 2473457

I do not know who to contact in the House of Representatives. 

It wouldn't hurt also to write to the ACT Legislative Assembly. I'm
not sure whose portfolio technology issues come under, but I suppose
you could write to Kate Carnell (the Chief Minister). All Legislative
Assembly members can be written to at:
	GPO Box 1020
	Canberra ACT 2601

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance" 

Shakers

-
Peter van Schaik, psvansch@pcug.org.au
Canberra, Australia