EFA welcomes the recommendation from the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) of the Federal Parliament that Australia should not ratify the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) at this time.
EFA Secretary Kim Heitman said, The Committee is to be congratulated for its astute assessment that the ACTA treaty should not be ratified while debate rages in Europe and the US on its terms. In particular, the requirements that member countries introduce draconian provisions criminalising normal Internet users and refrain from expanding fair usage rights are contrary to the public interest and the economic interests of Australians.
EFA believes that the Committee were correct in rejecting the assertion from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) that the ACTA treaty would not require changes to Australian law. While the final text was bland, in the light of the High Court decision in the iiNet case, the international interests that drive these discussions will push for Australia to introduce legislation to impose a graduated response (“three strikes”) punishment for downloaders — via redwolf.newsvine.com
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