Conroy reaffirms stance on net filter

Conroy has confirmed the Government’s support for its mandatory internet filter policy after the change in Prime Minister, in the process slamming his colleague Kate Lundy for even suggesting that it could be on an opt-out basis.

I particularly like this quote:

"We have got an election commitment to deliver. Just because Scott Ludlam says it’s been shelved, doesn’t mean it’s true."

I beg to differ. I find that most things Scott says to end up coming true at some point in the future. But that's nothing compared to this doozy:

"I’m not into opting in to child porn."

So after months and months of debate, public criticism, religious furor and technical incompetence, our Communications Minister has brought it right back to 'if you are opposed to my policy you must be a pedophile.'

Conroy insists that the Government will still be introducing the filter legislation in the second half of 2010, but with an election date still fluctuating anywhere from August 2010 to early 2011, this is largely out of his control.

When asked whether he had anything to do with the proposed laws that would require ISPs to store records pertaining to Australians’ email, telephone calls and web browsing habits, he simply handballed it to the Attorney General Rob McClelland.

Oh, but here is the really goddamn scary bit.

From Delimiter:

Conroy said he was working with Senator Steve Fielding to win his support for the bill, with the Family First parliamentarian to receive briefings from Telstra and NBN Co. Conroy said he hoped that Fielding would support the bill now that Telstra and NBN Co had come to an agreement about the terms under which Telstra would transfer its customers into the NBN and shut down its copper network.

"I spoke to him a couple of times last week. He wants to look at the overall package now, with the amendments, and make a decision,” said Conroy. “We’re providing all the information that we can."

Oh.
Shit.