On the 15th of December 2009, Australian Communication Minister Stephen Conroy announced that it is the intention of the Australian government to implement a mandatory nationwide internet filter. This measure, disguised as "improvement of safety of the internet for families", entails the implementation of a website blacklist created and maintained by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Had it not been met with opposition from the senate, the $44.2m in measures dictated by this legistlation would have already been implemented, all without voter input or consent.
The desired result of this measure is that websites carrying what governing bodies deem "Refused Classifiable" content, are rendered inaccessible to Australian citizens. Furthermore, contrary to government claims, no transparency is provided regarding which websites are detailed on this blacklist.
