Breaking News: eBay, Trading Post help catch tax cheats

ZDNet / Government / Story

Conroy's paternalism misses target

By Alex Serpo, ZDNet.com.au on February 11th, 2009

Topics

conroy, internet, safety, filtering, government, commentary

Top related stories

Conroy: Internet has parents out of their depth

Tanner, Conroy start blogging

Telstra out of Conroy's filtering trial

commentary Our great Communications Minister's limited focus on scary dangers like Facebook leaves many real net nasties unaddressed in Safer Internet Day activities.

According to a press release issued by Stephen Conroy's office, Australia is one of more than 50 countries expected to recognise Safer Internet Day yesterday. So how are we recognising it? The government has organised:

  • "Social networking and consumer safety forums for secondary school students,
  • The launch of new cyber-bullying initiatives for primary school children on the SuperClubsPLUS Australia website, and
  • The launch of the Cybersmart Detectives Game in schools in NSW."

So Conroy's focus is cyber-bullying, and the young. Particularly, he singles out "Facebook, MySpace, Habbo Hotel and Bebo". While some may consider these to be dangerous sites, cyber-bullies on these networks can be made to disappear with a single click.

Wherever you sit on the cyber-bullying debate, what is clear is that Conroy's plan neglects many of the major issues facing the internet today.

What concerns me is that while the minister's teams were furiously looking for suspicious characters on Habbo Hotel, Australians are increasingly becoming victims of online fraud.

Closer examination of Conroy's plan will reveal he is committing $125.8 million over the next four years. Of the $125.8 million, the vast majority ($116.6 million) is going towards the controversial internet filter. Other funding is going towards the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Child Protection Operations Team, and other initiatives.

Stephen Conroy
(Credit: DBCDE)

If the minister was to give the entire sum to the AFP, then surely a great deal of the cybercrime that currently goes unaddressed could be dealt with. After all, in 2008 four in 10 Australians identified themselves as victims of cybercrime, leaving one to assume that the cybercrimes unit at the AFP is seriously overworked.

Online fraud also creates a huge burden on the economy, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimating that in 2007 fraud cost Australia a billion dollars.

This online fraud business is supported by a massive proliferation of malware for profit. Raimund Genes, CTO of security giant Trend Micro, predicted that: "By 2010, every file that is opened will need to be scanned against 20,000,000 signatures".

This endless proliferation of malware presents an exponentially increasing burden to Australian businesses, who are trying to engage new customers in e-commerce.

These new customers are the key; people who are taking their first steps into online shopping are mostly likely to be the victims of fraud. Such bad experiences can turn them away from digital commerce permanently.

The irony here is that the Federal Government plan looks like misplaced paternalism, as the young are often more internet-savvy than the old.

While there may be some merit in Conroy's plans to protect the young from online dangers, the minister's $125 million would be better spent protecting all Australians against online fraud.

Related stories

Conroy: Internet has parents out of their depth

Tanner, Conroy start blogging

Telstra out of Conroy's filtering trial

Photos: Sydneysiders protest internet filtering

Filter plans a step too far: NetRegistry

Talkback

The best economic stimulus plan is...

...to have Conroy hung out to dry on the steps of Parliament House with a cover charge for spectators. I'd pay to see that.

AnonymousAnonymous February 11th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

I miss the next election already.

Unless Stephen steps down, then there may still be hope for Aussie ICT. Otherwise, prepare for a repeat of what happened to the car industry.

I'm literally screaming inside right now.

ARRRGHARRRGH February 11th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

I wish we didn't just have two parties to choose from

The problem is, if your vote for Labor, they assume you're voting for ALL of their policies - even the dumb ones like this.

We should vote for policies, not for parties. If we did, I can't imagine any of Conroy's policies being voted for...

DeanDean February 11th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

Conroy's filter folly

Unfortunately,Conroy has absolutely no idea what he's doing. That's the biggest worry. Vote them out asap!

AnonymousAnonymous February 11th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

With tongue firmly planted in cheek:

"Why oh why won''t somebody think of the children"

forget about politial parties - lets focus on whom 'said' this.
IS it Tim MArshall, contact on the press release? Probably not.
Is it Stephen Conroy? Only particlally as he's the figurehead of a 'department'
Is it "the government"? Partically, as its the "department of broadband, communicatiosn adn ditigtal economy" who's put up the millions.
Is it the AMCA? Partially as they're "participating" in this.

The common thread? "Government" and their agencies who not the foggiest clue about whats important and what has a real impact. As pointed out, much $$ is lost in various scams

Where oh where did they go so wrong. Oh yeah, they ASSUMED they knew whats best for us

AnonymousAnonymous February 11th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

Where's the foresight ??

I thought Helen Coonan was bad but his jokers even worse.

How about we get the Infrastructure rolling out so when we build the house etc to try to turn around the economic doom and gloom you don't have whole estates throttled due to lack of DSL ports by being stuck on a RIM. It's these people that will spend money and stimulate the economy.
Whilst we're at it fund a national virtual on-line university that doesn't cost Australians to enrol in ? So you can train at home and your kids have solid reference material. I know it'll cost but we could tie it's maintance to Uni funding ?

As for filters my 6 year old knows that azerus and rapidshare exist it's not going to take long from him to work out what's out there and no filters going to stop that.

So think long term Stephen.

AnonymousAnonymous February 11th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

When are you running for election?

You've got my vote already!

AnonymousAnonymous February 12th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

First four words that came to mind:

Wasteful, imbecile, imbecile, imbecile.

Like the article says, use that money to protect something worthwhile please.

AnonymousAnonymous February 11th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

Give money to AFP? He's already taken FROM them

"If the minister was to give the entire sum to the AFP, then surely a great deal of the cybercrime that currently goes unaddressed could be dealt with."

Why would Conroy GIVE money to them when the government has already taken money AWAY from them?

http://stilgherrian.com/politics/rudd-hampers-police-child-protection-efforts/

AnonymousAnonymous February 11th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

Waste

Well, you dolts voted Labor, this is what you get.

Our national broadband is already behind the rest of the world and Stephen wants to take us down further with this debacle.

I wonder what the several homeless people I pass on the Brisbane bridge every morning think of 116Million dollars going towards 'cyber bullies' and the like.

For this utter contempt and complete mis-allocation of tax payer funds, as a citizen I would like to see Stephen Conroy serve Jail time.

ThomasThomas February 12th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

Conroy, just give up and quit

Conroy, just give up youuseless **** no one wants your filter, you are dierting funds from where they are really needed (yes, cutting money spent catching the bastards, rather tahn a smoke screen that will blow away quickly in the wind)

Learn your job or go away you ****.

AnonymousAnonymous February 12th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

Conroy, just give up and quit

Absolutely spot on. This guy should be replaced immediately, before he makes any catastrophic blunders.

AnonymousAnonymous February 16th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

"in 2008 four in 10 Australians identified themselves as victims of cybercrime,

I assume you have to define "victim" fairly loosely if you want statistics that dramatic.

Is there source for that "study" and its methodology somewhere?

Luke WellingLuke Welling February 19th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)
Add your opinion

In order to post a comment, you need to be registered. (Sign In or register below)

Post your comment

Power Centre Useful content from our premier sponsors

Resource Centre Useful content from our premier sponsors

ZDNet Australia Live

A user from Perth measured 2708kbps @ Broadband Speedtest.

3 minutes ago, Click here to find out how fast your internet speed is.

http://bit.ly/9SnE7Q Database Toolbar Icons - Free Software Downloads - ZDNet Asia

ZDNET: Court rejects class action status for Intel antitrust suit http://bit.ly/9yAlXu

RT: @ZDNet: HP announces a containerized datacenter sale http://zd.net/d47SR2

RT: @ZDNet: Steve Ballmer: Microsoft has been focusing on cloud for 15 years http://zd.net/9cv0US

RT @johandenhaan: Nice example of difficulties of release management: Oracle rebrands Java, breaks Eclipse http://bit.ly/aN1jaI #yam #fun

RT: @ZDNet: DOJ sues Oracle over GSA contract http://zd.net/boqEb5

[ZDNet Japan] AD: まさかの価格破壊！:   35歳(男性)月額970円の死亡保険の真相。nextialife.co.jp

Ads by MicroAd http://bit.ly/cL8g8X

Court rejects class action status for Intel antitrust suit http://zd.net/dyhmnc

Another "No steeeking Win-DOHS!" RT @ZDNet: Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 marketing pitch: 'I'm a phone too' http://zd.net/bFPibg

Windows Phone 7 devices by end of September?: His current collection includes a Nokia N85, Nokia E71, Nokia 5800, ... http://bit.ly/dlTURg

New post: Court rejects class action status for Intel antitrust suit http://bit.ly/9yAlXu

RT @maryjofoley: Microsoft's Ballmer: Windows 7 slates are 'job number one': http://bit.ly/bYcmwA

There are a couple of points in the story where David's digs at Telstra are offmark: firstly, an inference that the current broadband...

12 minutes ago by gromit on Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog?

Microsoft's Ballmer: Windows 7 slates are 'job number one' http://bit.ly/bBG7ve

Win-DOHS, we don't need no steeeenking Win-DOHS!! RT @ZDNet: Microsoft's Ballmer: Windows 7 slates are 'job number one' http://zd.net/atdhxQ

RT @HeathClancy: EPA: Yup, greenhouse gases still unhealthy http://bit.ly/aZkizM #greentech #green

Between the Lines Court rejects class action status for Intel antitrust suit: Intel today won a key ruling in an a... http://bit.ly/bAcNFO

Between the Lines Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 marketing pitch: 'I'm a phone too': Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer gave... http://bit.ly/c2x1K9

Between the Lines Real cuts losses amid restructuring, still misses analyst estimates: Real Networks’ second-quart... http://bit.ly/ccO6ZX

Apple Magic Trackpad http://bit.ly/amZmxa

RT @TechZader: Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 marketing pitch: 'I'm a phone too' http://bit.ly/cxedPj

http://bit.ly/bn9qQH "When using open source makes you an enemy of the state" ahah, quelle bande de nazes :)

@Hamface oh thanks! @gewg did you want to talk about why you made the jump for ZDNet? :)

iPhone there and back again: How to backup your iPhone, set it up as a new device, and then restore it http://bit.ly/c0SSgE

RT @seesmic: Seesmic listed by @ZDNet - Top 25 Android apps: The best of the best http://ping.fm/goi9K

@Justin_Bartak Thanks for all the RTs! Taking a look at the guts inside Apple's new Magic Trackpad - http://bit.ly/a4OBFm #Minneapolis #Mac

David, you've completely missed the point. This has nothing to do with consumer value. You mentioned that "Telstra is supposed...

29 minutes ago by M.N.M on Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog?

Yup! They're pretty and look real nice but, as one who qualified in 1963 - on a Diesel Boat - and retired in 1982 - after 6 more die...

32 minutes ago by willyjon on Get wet with submarine tech photos

MasterChefs launch iPhone 4 in Sydney - http://dld.bz/prSR I really want 1, would you get 1? http://dld.bz/prSS

"Not greatly dissimilar to the public jubilation felt at the end of the second World War, Sydney-siders ..." http://bit.ly/cTvyuB #reallysad

Hilarious coverage of the iPhone 4 launch from the CNET guys. http://bit.ly/cTvyuB

What a sad way to live if the only joy in your life is to queue for a piece of defective technology sold by a vendor who accused his loya...

2 hours ago by fred9999 on iPhone 4 Australian launch: pictures

@Jetttje: outlook-alternatieven: http://www.zdnet.com.au/top-alternatives-to-microsoft-outlook-339295046.htm

RT @NASAWatch: NASA photos mooned in abandoned Maccas (LOIRP) http://bit.ly/arFI4Y

http://bit.ly/9y8rsU Multimedia Toolbar Icons - Free Software Downloads - ZDNet Australia

I am happy to know I was right about predicting Symantec's stock price and the furture trend. As I have pointed out a few times, I th...

7 hours ago by strelaoz on iPhone midnight launches across Australia

Just weirdly found out Michael Yell - Country and Regional Director for OEM, XSP and Services Business at Symantec Asia Pacific and Japan...

7 hours ago by strelaoz on iPhone midnight launches across Australia

As I have reported to Symantec Ethics about David Freer’s (VP, Symantec – Norton, APJ) misconducts (fraud, having dissented sex with ...

7 hours ago by strelaoz on iPhone midnight launches across Australia

David Freer (VP, Symantec Consumer Business Units - Norton, APJ) is a BIG LIAR! He lied to me for more than two and half years for my tru...

7 hours ago by strelaoz on iPhone midnight launches across Australia

My speed is 33 807 I'm with bigpond cable

9 hours ago by francoo on Broadband Speedtest

That is a beautiful boat,but, I'd still rather go to sea on a first flight 688 boat.Preferably the 689 if Clinton hadn't decommis...

10 hours ago by rogue689 on Get wet with submarine tech photos

For many other reasons, than just the net filter, the current has to go. Still, I wouldn't trust Abbot either. There are however chec...

11 hours ago by ian_from_oz on Conroy's filter masterstroke

RT: @zdnetaustralia: http://bit.ly/cJU6Mf We've added Virgin to our iPhone 4 pricing table comparison.. See which telco has the best deal.

The pick: five business iPad apps http://fb.me/DOid8NXt

Apple to look at iPhone 3G iOS 4 problems - Software - News http://bit.ly/cmaTAJ _ that's nice of them

Stop trying to dodge the filter issue, Conboy; it'll bite you in the **** whether you like it or not.

13 hours ago by Hyperion on Conroy pledges NBN map, same policies

@merejames http://bit.ly/9YJ6e7

Facebook va lansa un serviciu de răspunsuri la întrebările utilizatorilor http://bit.ly/aS4kLC

Survey proves #AUS e-health demand http://j.mp/ah9Iwf /via @ZDNetAustralia

A "profound cultural change" is required for a truly open government http://bit.ly/bTht86 /via @zdnetaustralia #gov2au

As one who has been as critical as any of the Sol era Telstra...as long as Telstra are leaving feasible room for profit margins for their...

15 hours ago by RS on Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog?

David, while the popular opinion, at least in the eyes of Telstra opponents, is to use every devious argument to stifle the operations of...

15 hours ago by sydneyla on Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog?

Question two: What is stopping.... "AUSTRALIANS could save up to $1.9 billion a year in travel costs, petrol and time if they spent h...

15 hours ago by Vasso Massonic on Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog?

Survey proves e-health demand: NEHTA http://itrau.com/bt9f8w via @ZDNetAustralia

RT @zdnetaustralia: Survey by NEHTA proves there is a demand for e-health http://bit.ly/bXuT1K

RT @zdnetaustralia: Telstra cops $18.55 million fine for exchange capping http://bit.ly/9cL91V

RT @zdnetaustralia: Survey by NEHTA proves there is a demand for e-health http://bit.ly/bXuT1K #yam

A good read..RT @zdnetaustralia: Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog? http://bit.ly/cSgC31

RT @zdnetaustralia: eBay and the Trading Post online help the Australian Taxation Office catch tax cheats http://bit.ly/dBDXRz

RT @zdnetaustralia Tesltra tweaks its data plans for all smartphones (not just the iPhone 4) http://bit.ly/bxO0G2

RT @zdnetaustralia: Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog? http://bit.ly/cSgC31

Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog? http://bit.ly/cSgC31

@mibus http://www.zdnet.com.au/commbank-dives-into-580m-banking-it-revamp-339288467.htm

The tech keeping Plastiki afloat: photos: ZDNet Australia brings you the tech below deck on the epic Plastiki voyage. http://bit.ly/aTj1QU

http://bit.ly/cJU6Mf We've added virgin to our iPhone 4 pricing table comparison.. See which telco has the best deal.

This story has been liked 5 times in the last 24 hours!

Keep up with ZDNet Australia

LinkedinLinkedin Join our network

RSS FeedsRSS Feeds Subscribe now

NewslettersNewsletters Subscribe today

TwitterTwitter Follow us

Compare Broadband Plans

Powered by WhistleOut

« 1 of 3»
1) Telstra BigPond37 plans 1%
2) Optus76 plans 2%
3) 39 plans 1%
4) Virgin Mobile7 plans 4%
5) Netspace36 plans 1%
1) Mobile Broadband Plans 8%
2) ADSL2+ Broadband Plans 5%
3) Cable Broadband Plans 4%
4) Naked DSL Broadband Plans 1%
5) ADSL Broadband Plans 6%

Mobile Phones | Broadband

CBS - ZDNET Australia Partner Services

Sponsored resources