Catryna Bilyk (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement in regard to the petition.

Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Catryna Bilyk (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have been asked to table this petition on behalf of the Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, regarding internet filtering.

In 2010, prior to the last election, the government announced that the Australian Law Reform Commission would review the refuse classification category for films, computer games and publications after community concern that it did not reflect community standards. Following public consultations, the ALRC recommended in February 2012 that refused classification should be narrowed into a prohibited content category which includes illegal content like child abuse material. In line with this recommendation Australia's largest ISPs have been issued with notices requiring them to block these illegal sites in accordance with their obligations under the Telecommunications Act 1997.

Australia's major internet service providers are now required to block child abuse websites on the Interpol 'worst-of-child-abuse list'. Blocking the Interpol 'worst of' list meets community expectations and fulfils the government's commitment to prevent Australian internet users from accessing child abuse material online. (Time expired)