How a picture of a train on your blog may get you on the Rudd-Conroy internet filtering blacklist

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Stephen Conroy, has previously stated that his national mandatory ISP-level filtering scheme will rely on the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for a black list which lays the foundation of what Internet content is not acceptable to the federal government.

Now most Australian blogs would not be able to conceive of the possibility of falling foul of ACMA.

However, Australian blogs often contain an image to brighten up the web page or illustrate a post.
In the strange times in which we now live even the picture of a train may excite the attentions of the Australian Broadcasting Authority and Classification Board on which ACMA in its turn relies for the kernel of its URL blacklist.

Here is a classic example of why the Rudd-Conroy plan to bleach the Internet 'middle-class conservative' may go pear-shaped:

Classification: Processing Date:	PG 20/10/2000	OFLC No: ABA No.	T00/3317 A2000001818
URL might be:	http://www.melbgraff.cjb.net
OFLC Synopsis:	"A still photo referred for classification by the ABA. The front of a train with a small amount of graffiti is pictured in close up. Text below the picture refers to the Internet Privacy Act in the USA".
Extract from OFLC Board Report:	"...This film warrants a PG classification as it contains adult themes that could be confusing or upsetting to children without adult guidance. ... The still photograph shows the front of a Melbourne train, pictured close up with a small amount of graffiti on it. Text below the picture refers to the Internet Privacy Act in the USA and has some other vague references to graffiti. There is no instruction or promotion of graffiti or any other illegal activity on this website page. Given that the word graffiti is mentioned and the front of the train is pictured with graffiti markings the Board is of the opinion that this concept may require explanation or guidance from a parent to any person under 15 years of age".

What I want to know is - when did childhood turn into some weird form of psychopathology which requires an entire nation to be placed in a giant straightjacket in order for the young 'patients' to survive?

NB. My apologies in advance to Warwick County Council in the United Kingdom if my use of their steam train image sees that webpage blocked by the Great Firewall of Australia (the engine is smoking after all!)

The Member for Richmond shows us her aged care report card

Yesterday the Minister for Ageing and Member fo Richmond,Justine Elliot released a Report Card of Achievements in Aged and Community Care:

In the last 365 days, the Rudd Government has:

• Begun investing more than $41.6 billion over the next four years into aged and community care;
• Increased funding to community care in 2008-2009 to $2.2 billion – an increase of $260 million over 2007-2008 – recognising that older Australians want to remain at home and independent as long as possible;
• Allocated 228 transition care places under its $293.2 million four-year election commitment;
• Offered $150 million in Zero Interest Real Loans as part of Round One of $300 million election commitment to create nursing home beds in areas of high need;
• Announced an Indigenous Aged Care plan worth more than $46 million;
• Introduced improvements to quality/compliance, including strengthening accreditation standards and processes, extending police checks and better arrangements for missing residents;
• Increased unannounced visits by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency to nursing homes to record levels;
• Selected Australian actor, Ms Noeline Brown as Australia's Ambassador for Ageing;
• Expanded programs to retain, recruit and support nurses and personal care workers to the aged care sector; and
• Made improvements to aged care assessments, including a rapid response team and reducing duplication – helping older Australians access aged and community care services when they need them.

I have to say that any change that this funding represents is going to happen slowly on the NSW North Coast if past instances are any indication.

The complete report card can be found here.

Some of the quotes that have stuck between my ears.........

You won't have Nixon to kick around anymore - Richard Milhouse Nixon in 1962 when he lost the election for Governor of California.

You won't have me to kick around anymore - Koala in the Qantas television advert which had to be withdrawn from the U.S. market many years later.

Don't vote it only encourages them - an oldie but a goodie from the mythical 60s graffiti.

I did not have sexual relations with that woman - U.S. President Bill Clinton (with fingers crossed).

All we are saying is give peace a chance - John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band

Eternity - footpath graffiti seen on childhood visits to Sydney.

There is no way that GST will be part of our policy. Never ever. It's dead. It was killed by the voters at the last election. - Prime Minister John Winston Howard as he waited for the ideal moment to introduce a Goods and Services Tax.

If the wind changes your face will stay that way - timeless admonishment from a grandmother.

"The battle of Iraq is one victory in a war on terror that began on September 11, 2001, and still goes on." - U.S. President George W. Bush delving into phantasy in 2003

No thanks. Mum's doing a lamb roast - a put down line which will always be associated with Tom Cruise.

Come on Aussie, come on, come on
Come on Aussie, come on
Come on Aussie, come on, come on
Come on Aussie, come on - a sporting ear worm from the 70s.

Well may we say "God save the Queen" because nothing will save the Governor-General. - Edward Gough Whitlam on the day his government was dismissed in November 1975.

they would shoot the girls first but they knew well I was not there or I would have scattered their blood and brains like rain I would manure the Eleven mile with their bloated carcasses and yet remember there is not one drop of murderous blood in my Veins - Ned Kelly writing in the Jerilderie Letter about police treatment of his sisters, presumably without a touch of irony.

From blogger to pollie: Stephen Mayne elected to local government

Stephen Mayne, Australia's favourite shareholder activist and possibly its only perennial shareholder activist, has announced that he's just been elected to Mannigham City Council.
Here's the low-down in his Mayne Report.
Congratulations Stevo, I look forward to hearing that you're throwing your heart and soul into the job.

Graphic from The Mayne Report