[Linux-aus] Political Recognition for Technology in Australia - was Re: Seeking feedback - EFA Citizens Not Suspects campaign

[Daniel Black]

On 26/06/13 08:01, David Lyon wrote:
> On 25.06.2013 07:24, Paul Shirren wrote:
> 
>>
>> http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/government-shelves-controversial-data-retention-scheme-20130624-2oskq.html
>>
>> Not quite a resolution. More like a "not at this time" which was good
>> enough for the Internet filter though that seems to have turned into 
>> an
>> unaccountable voluntary monster. I doubt if we will hear anything 
>> more
>> on the issue from either major party until after the election.
> 
> The problem is that we are all significantly less represented than 
> people that fish or shoot.

I'm not sure we're that under represented. In the report a number of
individuals like Mark Newton, Bernard Keane, Stella Gray, Ian Quick and
myself where significantly quoted in the report along with organisations
like EFA, the Internet Society and more general legal civil liberties
organisations.

Its more that technology isn't a single issue compared to gay rights or
farmers rights.

> Forgive me if I say this like but years ago there were promises to make 
> Australia a clever
> country, and I think for years it actually was.
> 
> Now things have regressed and technology people have less rights to 
> speak (in the political sense)
> than Farmers or the Gay movement.

in what way?

> Most of the technology people in Australia are told not to be overtly 
> political or commercial and I can't really understand this.

I don't know where this assertion comes from either.

> Gay people aren't told to be quiet when they want to discuss
> things.

No, but they are quickly ignored when a religious organisation says a
form of "but the dismissal of students based on sexuality, gender
identity, relationship status and pregnancy status is a fundamental part
of our faith" even when risks of youth suicide and self harm are
presented. (me tries quickly stops digressing on negative parts of the
Sex Discrimination Act amendments that where passed this week).

> Yet in Technology, we are the most submissive sector in the 
> economy. What gives?

Having done a few submissions I know it takes time (which detracts from
patches I could of finished) and often involves analysing the social and
political context of technology which often involves research and
reading laws and reports which can be difficult and occasionally
mind-numbing.

Collaborative submission is also hard but so is collaborative coding.
Lucky we've been doing that a while and perhaps some of the processes
and technology that helps us there can be used too (even if not ideally
suited).