LEFT-WING GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES REPRESSION IN AUSTRALIA

You couldn't make this up. After years of complaining about the Howard government's alleged oppressive nature, the Rudd government has announced plans for nationwide internet filtering to prevent Australians from coming into contact with objectionable content.

As reported by news.com.au:

EVERY Australian with an internet connection could soon have their web content automatically censored.

The restrictions are planned by the Federal Government to give greater protection to children from online pornography and violent websites.

Under the plan, all internet service providers will have to provide a "clean" feed to households and schools, free of pornography and other "inappropriate" material.

Australians who want uncensored access to the web will have to contact their internet service provider and "opt out" of the service.

They emphasize protecting "the children" from pornography and violence, but they admit they have not yet defined objectionable materials:

Senator Conroy said the clean feed, also known as mandatory ISP filtering, would prevent users from accessing prohibited content.

"We will work with the industry to get the best policy," he said. "(But) Labor is committed to introducing mandatory ISP filtering."

Senator Conroy said the Australian Communications and Media Authority would prepare a "blacklist" of unsuitable sites.

It is unclear exactly what will be deemed inappropriate material.

The adoption of mandatory ISP filtering comes on top of the former government's offer of free internet filtering software for home computers.

You will note that the Howard government had offered free filtering software that parents could use as they see fit. An altogether different approach from the statist oppression advocated by the Rudd government.

Nick & Nora Charles at the Thin Man Returns note that Australian voters should have thought about this sort of thing before last month's election!

The Left is so predictable, after all. It's the same old failed system, time and time again.

Hat tip: the inimitable Tim Blair.