Senator Ron Boswell, Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, said today that he would join Federal Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, to launch the Coalition Government’s NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online package in Queensland tomorrow.

Visiting Toowoomba, Senator Boswell said that the NetAlert was a $189 million package and included an information campaign, an advice service and the $84.8 million National Filter Scheme which would allow families to access PC or ISP-based filters to block out websites which were earmarked by ACMA as unsuitable or offensive.

“This Coalition Government programme is aimed at protecting Australian children from predatory behaviour online, pornography, and other offensive activities and material,” Senator Boswell said.

“Those firms chosen to produce and administer internet filters will be required to keep their products up to date and do their best to stop people who try to circumvent the system,” Senator Boswell said.

“The Government recognises that no internet protection is absolutely fool-proof, and that family supervision has a big role to play, but these filters should be seen as a tool to assist families in providing the best protection possible.

“Free PC-based filters have been available for families to download from www.netalert.gov.au since 20 August 2007, and families can order and receive a filter on CD ROM in the mail if they choose to do it this way.

“Under the National Filter Scheme, all ISPs will be required to offer a filtered internet service for families who prefer this protection option, with a new system to be implemented following a joint government and industry feasibility study, and input from a trial of filtering underway in Tasmania.

“As part of this announcement, the government has decided not only to make filtering products available for every Australian family, but also to put free filters in for all public libraries.”

ENDS

Media contact – 07 6277 3244 or 0428 714 779