[Greens-Media] Government curbs debate on trade deal bill Internet freedom threatened

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

06.12.04

Government curbs debate on trade deal bill
Internet freedom threatened


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle has condemned a government decision to curb
debate on legislation implementing further negotiations on the US free
trade agreement.

A government motion to allow the Copyright Legislation Amendment Bill
2004 to be passed this week was forced through the Senate today.

The Greens share industry concerns that the bill will have a big impact
on freedom of speech and media diversity on the internet.

"This bill will have a big impact on the Australian IT industry and
ordinary internet users", said Senator Nettle.

"We are hearing concerns from a wide range of the community interests,
including Australian companies such as OPTUS, universities and libraries
as well as internet users."

"The bill will mean internet companies will be forced to take down
websites and hosting services merely on the basis of a claim they are
infringing copyright. This has caused big problems in the US."

"Such claims should have to be tested in the courts; otherwise we open
up Australia's internet companies to thousands of untested claims that
inevitably lead to a reduction in internet diversity and freedoms."

"This bill will have an impact on anyone who uses the internet and
should be given proper scrutiny and debate in Parliament and not rushed
through before Christmas."

The Parliament is due to begin debate on the bill at 12.30 pm on
Tuesday, Dec. 7.

For more information - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146