Copyright and USFTA - Our Internet Industry Sold Out
The Australian Democrats have condemned the ALP's support for the Copyright Legislation Amendment Bill 2004, which passed the Senate last night.
"This bill not only goes far beyond what is required by the FTA, but also goes far beyond the USA's own copyright system and makes internet service providers in Australia liable for material hosted on their network," said Democrats Trade spokesperson, Senator Aden Ridgeway.
"The Government were desperate to tie up all loose ends associated with the Free Trade Agreement and applied intense pressure to the Senate to pass the bill quickly.
"The text of the bill was released only last week; regulations that will explain how the system will work in practice have not yet been drafted; and a hastily convened two hour Senate Inquiry was held for two hours on Monday evening.
"At the inquiry, I questioned representatives from the internet industry and heard their grave concerns with the bill.
"Irrespective of the commitments our Executive may or may not have entered into with the USA regarding the Free Trade Agreement, we have an obligation to ensure Australian industry's interests are protected.
"The ALP allowed themselves to be bullied into passing this seriously flawed and potentially devastating piece of legislation," concluded Senator Ridgeway.
