After waking up today to blog posts flying backwards and forwards about Internet censorship movements by the federal government, I must venture into political territory. Just check out the Twitter stream!

Sources tell us that the Australian government is blacklisting websites for the most mundane content ever. A QLD dentist? Poker? It blows my mind that the leaders of our country believe they can get away with blocking even somewhat boring content under the banner of protecting the vulnerable of the nation. And you can kiss goodbye various GMBill websites. The popular Victorian-run soft-core pornography company already warns parents to protect children on their ACMA-blacklisted adult sites AbbyWinters.com and Ishotmyself.com. I’m fairly sure that seems responsible, Mister Prime Minister.

Having also more recent evidence that a seemingly scary sex life isn’t so at all, I doubt that anyone could subscribe to the backward idea* that a vanilla sex life is the only moral one to take. It’s just not cricket anymore to accept this ideology. Given this, what basis does the government have to block these “not damaged or dangerous” adults from being happy? Not a whole lot. The SMH continues:

In fact, men who take part may be happier, with results showing they score significantly lower on a scale of psychological distress than other men. The researchers did not study why this was, but suspect it might simply be that they’re more in harmony with themselves because they’re into something unusual and are comfortable with that.

I do not understand that when Australia spends so much money on phyciatric treatment and care for the anxious, stressed and depressed they are up in arms removing our ability to access resources which very often keep married couples together and single people satisfied. And I’m just talking about sexuality.

What can you do? A comment left here sums up a suggestion for more localised action:

Queensland Voters: You have a say coming up to voice your displeasure against Conroy’s Censorship regime. Please use your vote wisely. I understand it is a “State Election”, but ask yourself, who your local Labor member really represent? Do your Labor MP represent yourself, your interest and your electorate? Or do your local Labor MP just simply represent Labor Party itself? How many Labor MPs have you know to publicly oppose or discuss the actual Pros and Cons of this Censorship? (Joe of Camberwell)

Readers, please pay attention to the world that is happening around you. Your personal and private leisure time online is apparently a threat to the very fabric of society and the government doesn’t like that one bit.

*and don’t get me started on Pope Benedict XVI!

In Brisbane, next Monday is going to be different. Next Monday you can help protect the human rights of all Australians, present and future, by standing up for a Human Rights Act for Australia.

Kids in detention, workers stripped of their rights, Indigenous Australians without housing and healthcare – together we’ve fought time and time again for human rights. Now the Government is embarking on a national human rights consultation - the chance of a lifetime to protect our rights with law.

Next week, they’re rolling into Brisbane. Just 2 hours of your time will help create real change in people’s lives – for all those in aged care, those with disabilities, and those who experience discrimination or bureaucratic bungling. Can you attend the Government’s human rights consultation?

What: Community Human Rights Consultation
When: Monday 23 March, 12pm-2pm or 6pm-8pm
Where: Brisbane Conference and Exhibition Centre, Cnr of Merivale & Glenelg St., South Bank

Click here to register.

We know you’re busy, but plenty of people in government would rather avoid scrutiny over human rights issues – and they’re hoping nobody shows up to the community consultations. Can the citizens of the Brisbane area prove them wrong by turning out in great numbers to have their say? Make sure you bring all your friends – even those who’ve never thought about human rights protection before.

You don’t need any special knowledge before you go along. These meetings are designed so that ordinary Australians can learn a bit about the issues and have their say. Together with dozens of fellow GetUp members attending, you can make a huge difference.

Click here to be a part of the once in a lifetime chance for Brisbane to have its say.

Thanks for being part of the solution.

- The GetUp team

In January I spoke of two guest speakers at the Edgeware Upload Entrepreneur’s camp, Ben Johnston and Scott McKay. In late February Scott was reported missing in Japan while on holiday at Niseko Ski Resort.

Today I have just learned that authorities have called off the physical search and the McKay family have returned to Australia. Over one hundred volunteers are still looking for Scott and I do not believe the search will be given up so soon.

Even weeks after the fact, I would like to express my heartfelt concern and shock that this is happening. If anyone, anywhere knows anything about Scott’s disappearance the night of Friday, February 20th for God’s sake let the police know.

I almost feel this blog is moot, but I must say something if it is to have any affect at all.

N.B. April 16th: Japanese newspaper Powderlife has reported that the body of Scott was recovered yesterday near his hotel. He had been missing for two months. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.