The Premier of NSW Mike Baird described the tragic events of the Sydney siege as a test for Sydney, and a test that ‘we’ would pass. The large majority of Sydney-siders have passed this test. We haven’t taken to the streets like we did in the disgusting Cronulla riots – we’ve largely acted in reverence and respect to the victims of those affected, and we’ve impressed the world with a hashtag.
But this wasn’t the test.
The true sign of how Australia treats these situations will be how both the State and Federal Government deal with what has occurred. Based on past experience, this doesn’t look promising.
The Senate has already passed the draconian Foreign Fighters bill which has collateral implications that far outweigh what they claim to achieve. The reporting of some Government activity has effectively been vetoed. Journalists could face jail if they decide to undertake the crucial role of the fourth estate that they have always played.
The Government is already attempting to force internet service providers to store our personal metadata for two years, one of the reasons being that it will help stop terrorism. These are harsh laws that see personal privacy neglected in the name of the nation, but people are committing these crimes. Why haven’t these laws protected us?
People like Man Haron Monis will continue to slip through the cracks with or without knee-jerk reactionary legislation in place. They will continue to do so if these laws are strengthened. These are individuals acting alone and they will not be filtered out by blanket laws.
The real test for Australia is for our Government to recognise that the buck stops at them. They need to look deep within themselves, not our internet history. After all, they are responsible for controlling gun crime, they are responsible for the bail system, and they need to stop framing these issues in such a way that impinge on our rights to privacy, and our right to publish.
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