But the world is entitled to be concerned about how the US judges what is best for its own defence, especially if it is a measure which is not only doubtful in its science but directly disturbing in its geopolitical consequences. Mr Downer could well be right in saying the arguments against the US missile defence shield are unconvincing. But he needs to explain more fully, in terms of Australia's own interests in the region, why that is so. In a society awash with wagering opportunities, at first glance the Federal Government's move to prevent Australians from gambling on the Internet seems eminently sensible. The new Internet ban would replace the current moratorium on Internet casino-style gaming due to expire in May and extends the veto to horse racing and sports betting.
Technology can circumvent it.
Additionally, he plans to oblige Internet service providers to offer customers filters that preclude access to gambling sites. Senator Alston is either obfuscating or deluded. Australian Internet users are already offered filters. Furthermore, the Federal Government's own Anteater inquiry earlier this year acknowledged it was impossible to prevent Australians gaining access to interactive gambling. Not only are an estimated 60 per cent of Australian Internet users not on com.au addresses, and therefore not answerable to Australian regulation, but a number of Web browsers sell untraceable and anonymous Internet identities.