Doug Foskey, Tregeagle
I was horrified that the federal police raided journalists’ homes and offices. I ask is Liberal an oxymoron?
It seems to me we are moving inexorably towards a fascist society. The freedom of the press must be maintained at all costs.
Over the years there have been some extremely important international stories that would not have broken if actions such as our recent federal police searches had taken place.
I feel it is the public’s right to know about corruption in the tax department; any non-explainable actions of public officials including politicians; and our enforcement agencies including police, armed forces, or border security.
In this recent police action there are extremely fishy actions that require questioning, such as why the action might have been delayed until after the federal election?
Why it seems that the warrant was signed by a minor magistrate in a country centre? Was the action to try to silence whistleblowers in the future? Was a government minister lying when he stated there was no prior government knowledge of the raids?
I am concerned about these governments’, both state and federal, need for silence on topics.
I feel there is a need for a bill of rights in Australia. Currently as citizens, our rights can be easily compromised by legislation.
Even a simple legislative bill such as is used in Canada (so not requiring changes to the constitution) would be a step in the right direction I feel.
