ABC News Online: PM warns of ’specific’ terror threat.

A “specific intelligence about a potential terrorist threat in Australia”. And they can’t talk about it for “operational security reasons”. How convenient! I’m sure that the AFP and ASIO receive “specific intelligence” about “potential terrorist threat[s]” every week…

Ruddock says “We have seen material, it is a cause for concern.” Unfortunately that is not enough given your track record Mr Ruddock. The sad thing about this whole affair is that we should be able to trust our leaders when they make pronouncements of this gravity.

Yet we can’t.

From as far back as the “children overboard” scandal this government, and Howard and Ruddock in particular, have given short-shrift to the truth. If it’s politically expedient, they’ll say what they like, and then find some way to avoid an inquiry (or someone to fall on their sword) later.

In my view the most “specific” terror threat at the moment is the passing of the legislation that Howard is trying to ram through using such crass and obvious methods (straight out of the Bush/Rove playbook). Hopefully the state premiers will keep their heads about them and take this for what it’s worth. I can’t help but fear for the worst…

Update: Andrew Bartlett has his say. In part:

Normally when ASIO is asked for details of security matters – even by Senate Committees – they refuse to answer on security grounds. Yet here’s the front page of the national Murdoch daily saying “ASIO is believed to hold genuine security concerns about an estimated 700-800 Muslims in Australia who have expressed support for politically motivated violence.”

Senator Andrew Bartlett: Telstra Sold - Senate Sold Out:

I can’t think of a single example in all my experience [over 15 years] where such total arrogance and contempt for the Parliamentary process was displayed. Of course, the one thing that is different now than at any other time in the last 24 years is that the Government has a majority in its own right in the Senate.

Any hope that the Liberal and National parties might not use this smallest of majorities to trash the entire purpose and role of the Senate was obviously forlorn.

: Senator Andrew Bartlett: Senate resumes - Telstra sale looming:

There have been a number of Senate Committee reports in recent times which have shown that, regardless of whether you support public or private ownership, the existing regulatory regime is highly inadequate.

The “Bartlett Blog” is interesting reading. Nice to see an Australian pollie doing this kind of thing - although it’s unsurprising that Andrew Bartlett should be the one…

Andrew Bartlett: Howard vs Costello:

This endless talk about whether John Howard will go or Peter Costello will challenge is starting to really irritate me. Firstly, because there are some immensely serious issues that are not getting anywhere near enough scrutiny as they should be (e.g. welfare changes, tax proposals, workplace relations, security laws, climate change and water usage and infrastructure just to pick a few), whilst so much time is being spent on something that is basically just theatre.

I don’t know how I missed this - but I’m subscribed now.

Telstra might be “furious” about this - but I think it is good news for consumers and the comms industry. I still disagree with losing public ownership - but this seems to me to be the best of a bad situation.

My view remains that the wholesale division should remain majority owned by the public. But that ain’t gonna happen, though. But by splitting the two divisions there is at least less risk that the dominant player cannot continue it’s uncompetitive practice of offering wholesale prices at a different rate to competitive retail operations.

It also means there’s some hope that the infrastructure issues will be more easily regulated. Of course, that’s all just my opinion. I welcome any other thoughts?

Our magnanimous government - it’s a rant, to be sure, but… yeh - what he said!

PS. For when the archives are working again.

SMH: Howard moves on wages revolution.

It is unclear whether unions, employees or academics would be represented.

The hits, they keep on coming. July 1 is simply too close… Certainly if Howard and Co get their way, none of the groups mentioned above will have any say at all. If they are included at all, it will be begrudgingly.

SMH: Ethical tourism on an untouched island. All good and well, just don’t mention the oil, which of course would provide a significant boost to the Timor Leste economy. It is a disgrace what our government is attempting to do here.

SMH: Copyright laws under review.

The federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, is considering allowing consumers to freely copy films, music and photographs from one medium to another, as long as they have paid for them and the material is solely for private use.

The prospect of a “fair use” clause moved a step closer yesterday when the Federal Government announced a wide-ranging review of copyright laws.

I always thought we had “fair use” provisions in Australia. It appears not.