Recently the Escapist ran an article outlining Michael Atkinson's position on a new law [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/97959-Michael-Atkinson-Steps-Back-From-Pre-Election-Net-Censorship] requiring people to disclose their real names and postcode. In short, the Atkinson originally backed the law, but due to public outcry at its establishment, he is no longer in favour of the law, even though he has stated, and I quote, "There is no impinging on freedom of speech, people are free to say what they wish as themselves, not as somebody else."
In an act that clearly defies this statement, in response to a message posted on the AdelaideNow [http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/] news site, a man has been fined $20,000 for calling Atkinson a "crook".
In response to a story about bikie gangs back in December, one Dean McQuillan posted a comment calling Atkinson a "crook". The comment was very quickly replaced with this:
Just a week ago, another apology was posted on the site as follows:
Mr. McQuillan, who is bankrupt, sent a "robust response" to Atkinson, but has yet to receive a reply.
All of this, along with the original video done by Media Watch on the subject, can be viewed here [http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s2833558.htm].
To be honest, I never thought the opinions of the masses of gamers wanting an R-rating was going to get Atkinson ousted from his position. However, what with the scandal of this particular law, and the obvious contradiction in terms of what it means for freedom of speech rights in Australia, I think if anything can get Atkinson kicked out of office, it's this.
In an act that clearly defies this statement, in response to a message posted on the AdelaideNow [http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/] news site, a man has been fined $20,000 for calling Atkinson a "crook".
In response to a story about bikie gangs back in December, one Dean McQuillan posted a comment calling Atkinson a "crook". The comment was very quickly replaced with this:
And that was that. Or so it seemed to be.
Just a week ago, another apology was posted on the site as follows:
This comes in light of a letter sent to Mr. McQuillan on Christmas Eve, stating that the comment he posted was defamatory of Atkinson, but he would be quite willing to resolve the situation with $20,000 as compensation, and the publication of an apology and retraction of his original statement, to be posted on the AdelaideNow site.
Mr. McQuillan, who is bankrupt, sent a "robust response" to Atkinson, but has yet to receive a reply.
All of this, along with the original video done by Media Watch on the subject, can be viewed here [http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s2833558.htm].
To be honest, I never thought the opinions of the masses of gamers wanting an R-rating was going to get Atkinson ousted from his position. However, what with the scandal of this particular law, and the obvious contradiction in terms of what it means for freedom of speech rights in Australia, I think if anything can get Atkinson kicked out of office, it's this.
