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Ever wondered what politics is really like? Wondered how politicians talk to one another in a open debate about something like a three strikes policy being introduced in a country (Australia) where it isn't in place? Here is a great example, taken right out of the Australian Senate — a back and forth between Attorney General George Brandis (thats long for big cheese) and Senator Scott Ludlam of the Australian Greens Party.
"I know industry leaders have very strong views on these things, but I'm asking you about groups like Choice or ACANN or others that might represent consumer interests or the public interest," he [Scott] said. "There is a very strong public interest in the protection of private property and that includes the protection of intellectual property." Brandis responded evasively. "So you're not going to answer the question?" Ludlam said rhetorically.
There is a lot more on this debate and it is disgraceful how clearly the AG is simply spouting what he is told to say.
(Score: 2, Informative) by MostCynical on Thursday May 29 2014, @10:39PM
I am sure copyright lobbyists have some 'research' that shows people care about IP, and that there is "strong public interest in the protection of private property" (and that includes the protection of intellectual property, provided they worded the question carefully)..
The Australian Research Council (one of the most competitive methods of getting research grant money in Australia) hasn't updated its IP page (yet) http://www.arc.gov.au/about_arc/principles_ip.htm [arc.gov.au], but since the new "conservative" government has come to power, they have attempted to slash Education funding, and suggest Unversities should seek private backers..l -research/ [iupab.org]
I suspect this will also lead to some interesting debates around ownership of IP and patents. http://iupab.org/publications/value-of-fundamenta
Publically funded research is something Australia has done well. Alas, it seems we are copying many of the worst aspects of the US funding models.
"I guess once you start doubting, there's no end to it." -Batou, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
(Score: 1) by fido_dogstoyevsky on Friday May 30 2014, @04:22AM
Unfortunately, using negativity to game the system to get votes isn't the only thing Bushfire Tony* is trying to set in concrete. I know people get the government they deserve, but I didn't know that we were _THAT_ evil.
* An appropriate nickname; we don't know which of last summer's bushfires he IS responsible for, but his climate change denying ideology IS responsible for quite a few of them.
It's NOT a conspiracy... it's a plot.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday May 31 2014, @04:29AM
"Brandis said that his team has consulted with “industry leaders†in the United Kingdom and the United States to learn from their experiences. That wasn’t the answer Ludlam was looking for.
“I know industry leaders have very strong views on these things, but i’m asking you about groups like Choice or ACANN or others that might represent consumer interests or the public interest,†he said."
http://torrentfreak.com/aussie-attorney-general-pr essured-on-three-strikes-secrecy-140529/ [torrentfreak.com]
IP extremists often try to argue that IP law is for the little guy. If that's true why is it always the big guy pushing for these laws the most?