Media Release: 20th January 2010: Canberrans must have a guarantee that South Australian Movie Laws won’t be copied by ACT Assembly, say Democrats.

19/01/2010

DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release: 20th January 2010:

Canberrans must have a guarantee that South Australian Movie Laws won’t be copied by ACT Assembly, say Democrats.

ACT Democrats President, Darren Churchill has called on ACT political leaders to confirm that South Australia’s “plain packaging” laws for R-rated movies will not be mirrored here in the ACT

Recent news reports described South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson’s new laws as coming quietly into effect this week, requiring R-rated movies to be displayed in plain packaging unless they are in an area quarantined from minors.

“The issue is not a matter of availability. R-rated movies are restricted to over 18’s and that should continue. But we need to ensure that a driver’s licence, pub card or passport is provided if the age of the hirer/purchaser is uncertain, the same as for alcohol or cigarettes.” said Mr Churchill

“Quarantining R-rated from minors is one thing. But plain packaging gives them an air of mischievousness and a naughty quality, which makes them more attractive. It’s reminiscent of soft porn magazines having to be sold under the counter and in brown paper bags in Bjelke-Petersen’s Queensland of the 1970s and 1980s.”

“South Australia’s new laws that restrict marketing and display of R18+ material make it more difficult for consumers to access information about media content, by preventing them from seeing posters and DVD covers that could help them make an informed decision about their viewing. Censorship prevents adult Australians making informed decisions. We do not want this sort of ridiculous behaviour mirrored in the ACT!” declared Mr Churchill.

“With South Australia taking knee-jerk action that hides useful information but has no effect on access to the product, it is surely time for a full national review of our classification laws?” queried Mr Churchill. “That includes allowing the states to sell X-rated material and not restricting it to the territories.”

“I often get frustrated with the wowser attitude that wants to stop X-rated movies but allow R-rated movies. Surely, they should be treated the same and sold through over-18 outlets (with appropriate identification), in the same way as cigarettes and alcohol are? Sometimes the strongest opponents of liberal censorship laws for adults are those with the most to hide.” continued Mr Churchill

“Also, like cigarettes, alcohol, gambling (pokies, TAB, casinos) and X-rated products, R-rated products should not be promoted to those who are too young to have legal access, nor be advertised on TV, radio, billboards, sporting ground ads, etc, in places which underage people frequent. But, they should be able to be promoted openly in venues, which are only open to those who can have legal access. That is, no restrictions if all those with access are over age.”

“Censorship for adults is wrong and we oppose it. But we do believe in some level of control of access for young people. What we are proposing is equal treatment of all age-restricted products.”

The ACT Democrats and I have consistently opposed government attempts to control information. The Democrats will continue to speak out for the right and responsibility of all individuals, especially parents, to determine for themselves and their families what is acceptable. The government’s role is to implement widely accepted community standards, not define them to suit particular lobby groups and impose them on the community.” Mr Churchill concluded.

Darren Churchill

President, Australian Democrats (ACT Division)

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Posted in Censorship, Media Releases, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Media Release: 14th January 2010: Canberrans Need Action Not Words in Opposing Internet Censorship, say Democrats

14/01/2010

DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release: 14th January 2010:

Canberrans Need Action Not Words in Opposing Internet Censorship, say Democrats

ACT Democrats President, Darren Churchill says “Canberrans are entitled to action not simply words, in opposing Internet Censorship”

IT News reports yesterday described ACT Labor senator, Kate Lundy as “speaking out” against mandatory internet censorship and pushing for an “opt out” alternative to the Communications minister’s online blacklist.

“It’s all very well for Kate to speak out and say she opposes mandatory censorship” said Mr Churchill “But will her actions back her words when the legislation is introduced to parliament next month. Will Kate cross the floor and vote against her own party’s legislation?”

“Of course she won’t! The ALP’s rules forbid it!” declared Mr Churchill. “Kate can do all the talking she likes, but at the end of the day, she can never support her constituents over her party because of the agreement she has signed as a Labor Senator. That is, she can never vote with her conscience or she must resign and become an independent. And Kate’s not going to do that. Is she?” Mr Churchill continued.

“This is why Australia so desperately needs the Australian Democrats. We have consistently opposed mandatory Internet censorship and filtering. And we insist that our parliamentarians must vote with their conscience. That’s what “keeping the bastards honest” is all about – backing up what you promise with your actions in parliament.”

“There are already filters available for people who want to protect their children. This is rightly so. It is the right and responsibility of all individuals, especially parents, to determine for themselves and their families what is acceptable. It is highly appropriate that parents and schools should have access to a system of filtering to protect children at their discretion. But there should be no mandatory censorship.

“But I believe censorship is evil. It is abhorrent to anybody who believes in basic freedoms. We must not allow the censorship technology to be put in place because it can be potentially misused by the government of the day. It is far too easy for censorship to become a tool of control by totalitarian governments.”

The ACT Democrats and I have consistently opposed government attempts to control information. With an election due this year Australian Democrats candidates will continue to speak out for the right and responsibility of all individuals, especially parents, to determine for themselves and their families what is acceptable – and to oppose “Big Brother” governments. But we will not just speak. If elected, we will act!” Mr Churchill concluded.

Darren Churchill

President, Australian Democrats (ACT Division)

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Posted in Censorship | Leave a Comment »

Media Release: 02 December: Canberrans Let Down as Humphries Toes Party Line, say Democrats

02/12/2009

DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release: 02 December:

Canberrans Let Down as Humphries Toes Party Line, say Democrats

ACT Democrats President, Darren Churchill says “Canberrans have been let down by Gary Humphries toeing the Liberal Party line and opposing the CPRS legislation.”

News programmes tonight reported that Senator Humphries had voted against the CPRS legislation in the Senate today, despite having stated previously that he would cross the floor and support it.

“Here was a chance for Gary to show some guts and support an Emissions Trading Scheme. But instead he has joined with those who are opposed to Australia showing some leadership on Climate Change.”

“In a style so typical of the Liberal Party today, the Opposition has mindlessly and deliberately opposed legislation just because the other side is proposing it. This was an opportunity to get some Climate Change legislation in place and work towards improving it later. But no! Gary toed the Liberal Party line and went for political point-scoring instead.”

“The reports say Tony Abbott is not opposed to nuclear power. We certainly don’t need that sort of madness. But Gary has voted for the Liberals consideration of nuclear power by his actions today.”

“The Liberals also are complaining about the cost of the CPRS. However, respected economists such as Stern and Garnaut, as well as the UN IPCC and CSIRO have all shown that not acting will cost far more than acting now” stated Mr Churchill.

“This is why Australia so desperately needs the Australian Democrats. We know the legislation could be a lot better. But as our national president said last week: “baby steps are better than no steps at all”.”

“The Democrats have always worked to hold governments to their election promises and negotiated amendments for better outcomes for legislation. (1) The obstructionist tactics of the Liberals and the Greens are disgusting. They hint at consideration of dangerous nuclear options and don’t give a damn about the environment and climate change!” declared Mr Churchill

“If I was in their position I’d have voted for it and then worked to fine tune it once it is in place. With their approach they lose the ETS, or any substantial “green” policy for a considerable period of time as well as the obvious risk of a double dissolution with less varied representation after the election. It is a very disappointing result” Mr Churchill stated.

“The ACT Democrats have long supported establishing concrete targets for the ACT to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. But we really need national legislation on emissions trading. The Australian Democrats will continue to work toward this result and our candidates will fight for effective climate change action whenever the election is called” Mr Churchill concluded.

Darren Churchill

President, Australian Democrats (ACT Division)

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

(1) The Australian Democrats have made a solid reputation for being the negotiators in parliament. Between 1977 and 2008, more legislation has been amended and improved in the Senate by the Australian Democrats than by any other minor political party in Australia’s history.

Posted in Environment, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Media Release: 27th November, 2009: Gay Ceremonies Law Still Falls Short of Equality say Democrats

26/11/2009

DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release: 27th November, 2009

Gay Ceremonies Law Still Falls Short of Equality say Democrats

“It’s a slow road to full equality for Gay and Lesbian people” claims ACT Democrats President, Darren Churchill.

Local media reported last night (Thursday) that the ACT and Federal governments had reached a compromise that will allow gay couples to continue holding ceremonies in front of a civil partnership notary.

“It’s a positive sign that the Federal and ACT governments have now reached a compromise that will allow gay and lesbian couples to hold commitment ceremonies and register their relationship” said Mr Churchill

“It’s definitely a step in the right direction and moves towards greater equality. And this time, at least, it seems that the Rudd government has recognised the right of the ACT to make it’s own democratic decisions. So, in those respects it’s a big step forward.

“However, it still isn’t complete equality. It compromises on this issue. When it comes to the question of equal rights of gay and lesbian people (or any other group of people), compromise denies equality. The ACT government should fight harder for the rights of gay people and for the right to legislate in the interest of all Canberrans!” declared Mr Churchill

“In 1973, the ACT became the first place in Australia where homosexuality was decriminalised when John Gorton’s (1) Bill was passed in the federal parliament following a “conscience vote”. In 1988 another Act of the federal parliament gave the ACT self government. However, the law still discriminates against gay people and still does not give the ACT the same rights of self-determination as the states.”

“It’s time to bring things into the 21st Century by amending the federal Marriage Act 1961 to allow a union between two people of the prescribed legal age to be treated equally under the law with the recognised societal definition of “marriage”(2). This needs to be an Australia-wide situation” Mr Churchill concluded.

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

(1) Sir John Gorton was Liberal Prime Minister from 1968 to 1971.  He was an independent Senate candidate for the ACT in 1975 (backed by the Australia Party, who merged with the New Liberal Movement to become the Australian Democrats in 1977).

(2) The Australian Democrats made this very point as part of their submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009.

Posted in Human Rights, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Media Release: 25 August, 2009: Privacy Commissioner backs Democrats’ concerns over e-health ID’s

25/08/2009

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DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release: 25 August, 2009:

Privacy Commissioner backs Democrats’ concerns over e-health ID’s

“The Federal government must address privacy concerns over it’s national healthcare identity scheme,” says ACT Democrats president and privacy campaigner, Darren Churchill.

Reports in “The Australian”, 25 August 2009 have noted calls from Federal Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis that current laws are inadequate and that specific new legislation is needed to ‘ensure consistency of protections and penalties nationwide.’

“This is exactly the sort of concerns I raised on 1st July, when I called for the government to release the details of it’s Privacy Impact Assessments,” declared a concerned Mr Churchill. “What are they trying to hide?”

“I have had phonecalls and people are concerned about their privacy. But where is the consultation and public discussion about the national healthcare identity scheme? Beyond the industry lobby groups and stakeholders there has been nothing. No consultation with ordinary Australians.” continued Mr Churchill.

“I have publicly raised privacy concerns in July and in a submission in mid-August. So have civil liberties groups. Now the Privacy Commissioner has said she has concerns too. It’s about time the government took notice!”

“Whilst, there is potentially some good to be achieved in facilitating access to medical records to improve patient care. There needs to be a guarantee that it won’t become mandatory to present private personal details in order to access health care services or Medicare benefits.”

“And we need to be clear that there are consistent, uniform and appropriate laws as to who can see the records and when. Those laws should also protect against function creep and guarantee that this is not a backdoor method of introducing a national ID card.” Mr Churchill concluded

CONTACT:

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Posted in Privacy | Leave a Comment »

Media Release: 19th August, 2009: Policy Resolutions from the ACT Democrats Annual Conference 2009

19/08/2009
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DARREN CHURCHILL
ACT Democrats President

Media Release: 19th August, 2009:

Policy Resolutions from the ACT Democrats Annual Conference 2009

“As part of the Australian Democrats national Rebuilding Strategy, the ACT Democrats 2009 Annual Conference was used as a “Setting Directions” forum,” said newly re-elected ACT Democrats President, Darren Churchill.

“We reviewed many party principles and policy directions and members moved and passed the following motions, among others, as a renewal of policy position,” Mr Churchill announced.

The following selection indicates the breadth and depth of the issues covered;

Health

The ACT Democrats believe the ACT government has a responsibility to ensure the availability of suburban GP practices and should provide assistance for small, local suburban clinics.

Education

The ACT Democrats support the concept of local access to primary schools and in particular supports the reopening of the Hall and Tharwa primary schools.

Environment

The ACT Democrats support the ACT Government proposal for solar electric generation facilities in the ACT. It is imperative that we take a strategic approach to significantly and sustainably reducing the ACT’s carbon footprint.

Planning

The ACT Democrats believe that the new Molonglo residential area must have health, education and public transport facilities equitably developed as the town grows, not years afterwards as happened in Tuggeranong and Gungahlin.

Electoral reform

The ACT Democrats support proportional representation, accountability and diversity in politics. We propose having 5 ACT electorates of 5 members each. We want to reduce the required membership for party registration from 100 to 50. We support the introduction of legislation to prevent the use of public money on government political advertising. We support the introduction of voluntary voting for those aged 16 and 17 years old.

Population policy

The ACT Democrats believe the ACT region does not have the resources, such as water, to grow indefinitely. We propose setting up a consultative body to collect scientific and community views so that future governments can plan to stay within our sustainable environmental limits.

Anti-Gangs legislation

The ACT Democrats oppose the introduction of anti-bikie laws. Instead we support the use of existing laws to fight organised crime, a greater community police presence and the establishment of an Independent Commission Against Corruption & Crime.

Internet filtering

The ACT Democrats oppose any moves to introduce mandatory Internet Censorship. We advocate voluntary parental or school filter and greater community education.

Supporting the community sector

The ACT Democrats believe that a vibrant, well-resourced community service sector is an essential part of supporting the most vulnerable people in our community, and that the government should actively increase funding and capability to ensure that the sector is not only viable, but increasingly effective and integrated.

“These policy positions reaffirm the principles of accountability, sensible economic management, social justice and environmental sustainability we took into last years ACT Election. The very same principles which continue to guide the ACT Democrats” Mr Churchill continued.

As the Australian Democrats continue to rebuild both nationally and in the ACT, the ACT Democrats have again shown we are prepared to continue to strive for political freedom, social justice and democracy, Mr Churchill concluded.

CONTACT:

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

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Media Release: 31 July, 2009: Equal Rights for Gay Couples say Democrats

31/07/2009

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DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release: 31 July, 2009:

Equal Rights for Gay Couples say Democrats

“It’s time to end the discrimination against gay couples” says ACT Democrats president, Darren Churchill

This Saturday will see a series of national rallies and marches in the National Day of Action for Same-Sex Marriage.

“The Democrats believe people in same sex relationships should not be discriminated against because of their sexual preference.”

The Democrats introduced a Private Member’s Bill, the “Same Sex Marriages Bill 2006″  into Federal Parliament in June 2006.  The Bill aimed to reverse the changes that were made in the Marriage Amendment Act 2004, which redefined marriage as a union entered into by one man and one woman only. This effectively stopped the ability of the courts to recognise marriages between two people of the same sex, particularly in cases where a legalised marriage had taken place in another country. The bill called for the use of gender neutral language in the Marriage Act, and include a “to avoid doubt” clause, stating that nothing in the Act should be interpreted as preventing same sex marriages.

Legalising same sex unions at a Federal level and removing this form of discrimination against people in same sex relationships will give them the same status and recognition as people in heterosexual marriages or defacto relationships. “It’s time we took that step.” said Mr Churchill

“The Democrats plan to continue to fight this discrimination. Recognition of same sex unions at a federal level will be an important first step in eradicating intolerance towards people in same sex partnerships.”

“I call on the federal government to commit to redressing the laws which discriminate against same-sex couples, and to recognise that all Australians are equal.”

“It doesn’t matter whether a person is gay, straight or whatever. We are all human beings. And in sharing a common humanity, in the name of love, all people have a right to be treated with dignity, respect and equality under the law.”

“Other countries have already taken this important step. It’s time for us to do the same. Let’s move out of this moral shadow-land.” Mr Churchill concluded.

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Posted in Human Rights | 1 Comment »

Media Release: 30th July, 2009: Democrats say the young can make a difference by enrolling to vote

30/07/2009

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DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release: 30th July, 2009:

Democrats say the young can make a difference by enrolling to vote

ACT Democrats president, Darren Churchill has urged eligible 17 and 18 year old people to respond to the Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC) “National Enrol to Vote Week 2009” and take the opportunity to register to vote and put their name on the Electoral Roll.

“It’s great that in Australia we can choose our representatives. We can also vote out those we do not believe represent our interests. This is a right we often take for granted in Australia. In some other countries people fight and die for this right.” Mr Churchill said.

”If young people want politicians to take an interest in the issues that matter, it is necessary to make them accountable at the ballot box.”

“It’s wonderful that the AEC is taking this initiative to get young people interested in the democratic process by going out to the schools. Enrol to Vote week is a great way of raising awareness amongst young people.”

“The Democrats would like to see them go the next step in encouraging voter education. We’d like to see the introduction of voluntary voting for 16 to 18 year olds, so the democratic culture is strengthened and learned from an earlier age.”

Governments make decisions that affect young people. So it’s only right that young people are given the option of having a say in who makes those decisions. “ Mr Churchill concluded.

CONTACT:

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Posted in Electoral Reform | Leave a Comment »

Media Release 1 July 2009: Democrats raise privacy concerns over national e-health ID

02/07/2009

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DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release 1 July 2009:

Democrats raise privacy concerns over national e-health ID

The Australian Democrats have raised privacy concerns over the Unique Healthcare Identifier (UHI) programme being developed by the National E-Health Transition Authority. ACT Australian Democrats president and privacy campaigner, Darren Churchill has called on the federal government to release details of the Privacy Impact Assessments on the scheme.

The Democrats claim the UHI sounds reminiscent of the previous governments attempts to replace the Medicare Card with an Access Card (a defacto national ID card) and want to know details of the privacy issues involved.

“We’re already getting conflicting reports between the Human Services Minister and the health Minister over whether or not the Medicare Card will turn into a smart card or not. And the Privacy Impact Assessments remain a secret. This raises a number of concerns!” declared Mr Churchill

“The concerns the Australian Democrats have are:

· What guarantees are there that the individual has control over who sees their information?

· What guarantees are there that only the medical information a person authorises will be stored?

· What protections are there that only medical information will ever be stored?

· What rights to challenge personal information held in medical databases (accuracy and whether the person wants that information held at all) are put in place?

· How open, accountable transparent and available is a person’s right to know the information held about them?

· And is there a limit on how long information can be held?”

“It’s important that there is means for facilitating access to medical records and there needs to be a guarantee that it won’t become mandatory to present all medical details in order to access health care services or Medicare benefits.” Mr Churchill said.

“Even the best intended privacy legislation will not prevent future governments from increasing the coverage and uses of the card (function creep). It has the potential to become a defacto ID card and could enable peoples’ every movement to be tracked.” Mr Churchill said.

“People also need the right to see their own records, to have access to them and correct them. But we need to be cautious that we don’t allow a situation where anyone with a smart-card scanner can access personal records. So, storing information in a chip on a card is one thing. But a centralised database (or even local and regional systems) is quite another – and with considerable risks, including the possibility of identity theft” Mr Churchill cautioned.

“What is the government trying to hide? The details of the first two Privacy Impact Assessments reports should be made available for public comment. As should the third report which has already been commissioned.” Mr Churchill concluded.

CONTACT:

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Posted in Privacy, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Big Australian Democrats Get Together – Canberra and surrounds

26/06/2009

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Big Australian Democrats Get Together – Canberra and surrounds

Just some fun and an excuse to get together with other Australian Democrats in our area, as well as those interested in the party, just to get to know each other and celebrate the start of the rebuilding process.

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2009

Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Location: Pot Belly Bar

Street: Weedon Close

City/Town: Belconnen, Australia

RSVP: Good, but not essential. Contact Darren for more information –

0412196473 or darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114621126001

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