Since I haven't really seen any REAL discussion in the local newspapers regarding the changes in Federal law regarding sedition, have found THIS discussion on Senator Andrew Bartlett's blog. These are extracts taken from the blog and comments.
OLD WORDING -
Definition of seditious intention
An intention to effect any of the following purposes, that is to say:
(a) to bring the Sovereign into hatred or contempt;
(d) to excite disaffection against the Government or Constitution of the Commonwealth or against either House of the Parliament of the Commonwealth;
(f) to excite Her Majesty's subjects to attempt to procure the alteration, otherwise than by lawful means, of any matter in the Commonwealth established by law of the Commonwealth; or
(g) to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different classes of Her Majesty's subjects so as to endanger the peace, order or good government of the Commonwealth;
is a seditious intention.
NEW WORDING -
seditious intention means an intention to effect any of the following purposes:
(a) to bring the Sovereign into hatred or contempt;
(b) to urge disaffection against the following:
(i) the Constitution;
(ii) the Government of the Commonwealth;
(iii) either House of the Parliament;
(c) to urge another person to attempt to procure a change, otherwise than by lawful means, to any matter established by law of the Commonwealth;
(d) to promote feelings of ill-will or hostility between different groups so as to threaten the peace, order and good government of the Commonwealth.
Take note of the change from "excite" to "urge".
On the other hand, I feel much safer. Provided I steer well clear of "urging disaffection" on anybody, I can freely "express" my
disillusion, dissatisfaction, disappointment, disgruntlement, displeasure, anger, ire, annoyance etc ...
Have no idea what a Commonwealth prosecutor would make of all that, but hope that makes everybody happier (grins)
2 comments:
Wombat:
the old (g) is preserved in the new (d) and I find that ironic. Aren't ploys to do a genteel form of just that sort of divisive incitement the foremost tools of politicians [and perhaps a few of the commentators in Rupert's media empire?]
Jeez, dunno wot's goin' on. All the Newsypeepers are fulla the excitin' stuff about 400 cops capturin' 17 fellers t' prove we have terrible people in our midst. Even th' magystrate wuz a bit dubious about the akshul evidence.
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