Conroy persists in wasting time and money trying to censor the web

[depakid]

Labor need to damage control- dump this guy and replace him with Kate Lundy (someone who actually has credibility with the IT community). What's it going to take for these arrogant bastards to learn their lessons?

The Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, is ploughing ahead with his internet filter policy despite there being virtually no chance any enabling legislation will pass either house of Parliament.

Independent MP Rob Oakeshott, the Opposition and the Greens have all come out against the policy, leaving it effectively dead in the water. The Greens communications spokesman, Scott Ludlam, has called on the government to end the facade and drop the internet censorship scheme once and for all, as it was wasting time and taxpayers' money.

University of Sydney Associate Professor Bjorn Landfeldt said, given the catastrophic election result after only one term in government, it was "remarkable" the government was "pushing the very issues that undermined their credibility, rather than focusing their energy on important societal issues".

"One may wonder exactly what underlies this relentless pursuit of a mirage, given that there is just about zero support outside the cabinet," said Landfeldt. "Surely it is no longer a matter of believing that the policy would benefit the general public."

The government is preparing to introduce legislation forcing ISPs to block a blacklist of websites that have been "refused classification" (RC) by government bureaucrats.

After intense criticism of the policy, including that "refused classification" included innocuous and politically sensitive material, Senator Conroy announced just before the election that his policy would be delayed until a review of RC classification guidelines could be conducted by state and territory censorship ministers.

This effectively means any internet filtering legislation will be delayed until next year, by which time the Greens will hold the balance of power in the Senate. The Greens have already said they would oppose the legislation, as has the Opposition.

More: http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/conroys-net-filter-still-alive-and-kicking-20100910-1540s.html

[Matilda]

1. He's stilll got the Communications portfolio.

Thank goodness things turned out the way they did, so there's not much chance of him censoring us all.

The new Ministry seems to be quite good – I like that Penny Wong is our first female Finance Minister – I have no idea what she'll bring to it, but I think she has a lot of integrity and I hope she does well – although she has big shoes to fill.

Full list here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/11/3009113.htm

But cop this from Julie Bishop: "The leader that was sacked by his own party because he led the Government off course and caused the Government to lose its way, is now expected to navigate Australia through our foreign policies," she said.

"The leader who was sacked by his own party because he couldn't get along with people is now Australia's number one diplomat."

Have they forgotten Alexander Downer so soon? Exact same situation, except that Rudd has a functioning brain. Their hypocrisy is breathtaking.

[Esra Star]

2. Julie Bishop is only the deputy leader because

the libs need a token female. Andrew Robb apparently missed reading that page in the hymn book.
I'll bet that Julie would be chucked out if most of the members had their way.

[Matilda]

3. Poor Andrew Robb; I really think he's lost the plot.

He used to be much sharper. I know he's suffered from depression, and I would never mock anyone for that, but he hasn't performed well in his shadow portfolio; he often stumbles his way through, and people like Tony Jones can make mincemeat of him. I really think he should have retired at this election, because he's going to be a liability.

[gemini_liberal]

4. Now that he has Comms

Maybe we can have a politician swap. Libs to get Conroy and Labor can have Turnbull?