BROADCASTING SERVICES AMENDMENT (ONLINE SERVICES) BILL 1999

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the Bill be now read a second time—And on the amendment moved thereto by Mr M. J. Evans, viz.—That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words: "the House:

(1) expresses its concern that:

 (a) the legislation is being dealt with in indecent haste and with inadequate consideration;

(b) the Government[quot ]s claim that the legislation will [quot ]solve the problem[quot ] of unacceptable content is not supported by the reality that the vast bulk of internet content is generated outside Australia;

(c) the proposals, including the idea of mandatory internet service provider filters, are unworkable and easily by-passed;

(d) the application of the narrowcasting classification regime to the regulation of internet content has not been thoroughly analysed and may well require revisiting in the future, in view of rapidly changing and converging technology; and

(e) the legislation does not include a sunset clause, or provision for review, given the speed of technological change in this area; and

(2) recommends that:

 (a) efforts should be made by the Government to pursue international agreements on the regulation of internet content; and

(b) substantially more emphasis should be placed on end-user empowerment through information and education campaigns for parents, schools and guardians about the use of the internet and of end-user filter devices"—

Debate resumed.

It being 2 p.m., the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 101A, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.