[Linux-aus] Grant Application from Fraser Tweedale for Support the myGov Code Generator source code FOI review

[Marcus Herstik]

Maybe because it was positing a ridiculous statement basically as a joke.
For some reason it seems to have been accepted as a good idea and some even want to encourage it.

The only people that win these cases is typically the lawyers.

Regards
Marcus

________________________________
From: linux-aus <linux-aus-bounces at lists.linux.org.au> on behalf of Paul Wayper via linux-aus <linux-aus at lists.linux.org.au>
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2026 9:36 am
To: linux-aus at lists.linux.org.au <linux-aus at lists.linux.org.au>
Subject: Re: [Linux-aus] Grant Application from Fraser Tweedale for Support the myGov Code Generator source code FOI review

On 18/7/26 15:40, Marcus Herstik via linux-aus wrote:
Support can come in many ways - not just financial.
This leads to the obvious question - why don't we start litigating these kind of things as an organisation ?

I'm finding this position puzzling, Marcus, in relation to your comment:


I'm sorry but that's a no from me.
We are not here to fund litigation.
While we may receive the benefit of the result of that litigation it was not started by us nor is LA a party to this.

The problem I see with any idea that Linux Australia would 'start litigating these kinds of [legal battles]' is in choosing what, and how, and in getting legal advice.  We'd have to get community feedback on which issues LA chose to tackle, and then maybe ask the community again when things got stymied (as they inevitably do when fighting legal battles with large government departments).  And then the LA council would have to put their names to court filings and proceedings.  Linux Australia retains no lawyers.

It's much better, IMO, for individual members to do what Fraser has done here (take on the fight because of a personal commitment) and then ask for Linux Australia's assistance.  Fraser has openly asked for community funding for his legal proceedings as well, so this is not just a matter that Linux Australia is being asked to assist alone.

I am fully in support of Linux Australia giving financial assistance to Fraser's work to ask for the source code of software made by a government department for deployment on Australian citizens' phones to be made publicly available.

The government makes many things available under Creative Commons licenses (thanks to Pia Andrews for pushing for this!).

Hope this helps,

Paul
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