Pixelated Semantics

A schizotypical inventory

Definition of a police state

While government types have criticised objections to proposed terror laws as 'overstated' (even extending to the questionable assertion that some rights are 'bogus'), the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission president yesterday told a forum on the proposed laws that they would achieve exactly the same goal as those of a police state:

'It might sound over-dramatic to say that the proposed laws are of the kind that may identify a police state, but let us reflect for a moment on that proposition [...] The defining characteristic of a police state is that the police exercise power on behalf of the executive, and the conduct of the police cannot be effectively challenged through the justice system. Regrettably, that is exactly what the laws which are currently under debate will achieve.'

It may be easy for the government to dismiss its contrarian citzens, but the HREOC president's definition strongly supports the public's concern (unlike the dismal and inappropriate lack of perspective from an Opposition Leader at odds with half his own party.) The consensus among writers and other artists is also that the sedition laws inhibit freedom of speech, particularly for journalism and creative expression - and it's curious that these provisions have been widened since the 'unauthorised' previous draft has recieved public comment.

Item posted by AutoEditor at 8:46 am ::