31-August-2007
Goldstein Media Releases, Community
Bayside families will benefit from free PC-based internet filters which will protect children from accessing inappropriate material on the internet.
“The internet is part of our everyday lives, from checking emails, receiving news updates or paying bills,” Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein said.
“Increasingly, it is also a required tool for any children who are studying. On the one hand, the volume of information children can access on the internet can greatly improve their knowledge and understanding of their school work but on the other hand, children can unknowingly access inappropriate content,
“Parents have been concerned about this and I believe that these new safeguards and free internet filters will help local families enjoy the benefits the internet can provide without worrying about what their children may accidentally click onto,” Andrew Robb said.
The programme, worth $189 million will include:
• Free PC-based filters as well as the development of an ISP-level filtered service (available 20 August). The $84.8 million National Filter Scheme will provide access to the best available internet filtering technology free to every Australian family. From 20 August, families are able to download PC-based filters from the NetAlert website or call the consumer helpline for them to be posted out on a CD-ROM. Alternatively, families may opt for an ISP-filtered internet service, which all ISPs will be required to provide. These filters will also be available for all public libraries;
• Significant funding for the Australian Federal Police to fight child sex offenders who use the internet to identify victims or ‘groom’ children. An additional $43.5 million in funding will be provided to the AFP’s dedicated Online Child Sex Exploitation team and its high-tech crime units over four years enabling the deployment of 36 new staff in 2007-08 rising to an additional 90 staff by 2009-10;
• Extra resources for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions to undertake the additional prosecutions which are expected as a result of the extra AFP resourcing;
• A consumer helpline and new NetAlert website to provide information about online safety and support;
• An expansion of the popular and effective NetAlert school outreach programme to educate children about online safety. $11.7 million over four years and 10 new internet safety officers will be provided to ACMA to increase this highly successful program that has already reached 3,400 schools and community groups since 2005; and
• A comprehensive $22 million public awareness and education campaign to alert parents and carers about online safety issues and provide information about where they can go to receive support and assistance.
“Families can visit www.netalert.gov.au for more information and to download the free internet content filter. Information is also available by contacting my office on 9557 4644,” Andrew Robb said.
Media contact: Megan Cox 9557 4644 / 0414 492 674