On September 20, 2001, Georges W Bush’s addressed the citizens and congress of the United States of America and told them they had been put on notice. They may be the world’s most powerful country but they weren’t immune to attack and that their people had reason to be afraid. It was a speech that did little to allay the fears and concerns of the people. The terrorists who had attacked on September 11 had installed fear and now the government was going to ensure that that level of fear remained. For the fear of terrorisms allows for it to be useful as a propaganda and control device.
The challenge for the propagandist is to “inject” their ideas into the minds of the target population. The challenge is therefore to overcome the audience that thinks critically. As Rampton and Stauber point out,”an audience that thinks critically and is prepared to challenge you message becomes a problem that must be overcome” (2003, p 135). Fortunately for terrorists and governments alike one of the easiest ways to overcome objections to their actions is through the creation of a climate of fear and distrust. This process is aided by the media who benefit in the ratings and help in promoting a climate of fear that manage to keep audiences watching. A public that is afraid and untrusting of others, results in them being more easily manipulated and accepting of the influence of others.
As the late Nazi Reich Marshall Herman Goering quoted by Rampton and Stauber points out that the purpose of any propaganda campaign is to overcome resistance from the public directed at the government or terrorists ideology “but voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them that they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country” (2003, p135)
Now that the public exists in a climate of fear, governments are able to reign in civil liberties and those that protest are attacked for their lack of patriotism. Any controversial act is defended by the linking it to being in the best interest of national security. Proof of this can be demonstrated by the outcomes of the enacted USA Patriot Act. Enacted only 45 days after September 11, 2001, the legislation was sold to the public on the perceived intention of targeting terrorists and making the United States safer from terrorist attack. Riding a wave of nationalism and fear of future terrorist attacks, the Act was intended to unite the nation and see an amalgamation of national intelligence agencies and law enforcement.
Critics of the Act were denounced as unpatriotic and as such un-American. It also creates a climate of intolerance and groups looking to blame Law enforcement now under the act could now legally spy on the citizens of their country. As William’s points out, this type of measure “highlights the distinction between punishing what has already occurred and preventing what might happen in the future” (2002, p. 340). Agencies that previously were responsible for enforcing the law now were able to manipulate the law to their own means. As such the concept of innocent until proven guilty under the law has been reversed.
A number of personal freedoms previously protected by United States law have bee lost under the Patriot Act. Under the act law enforcement and government agencies are able to gather personal information such as medical records, taxation records etc, without the need for a warrant or even criminal suspicion. This information can be obtained through clandestine searches of an individual’s home or business without indefinite notification. Also the definition of domestic terrorism under the Patriot Act can now potentially include the simple act of political protest.
As a result the United States government now spies on its own citizens and assault their individual rights through programs like ‘Terrorism Information Awareness”, a centralized computer database that compile information from government and public sources. All under the banner of a campaign for freedom and protection from those who they’ve been told wish to harm them.
Similarly in Australia, intelligence services have been given the power to detain and interrogate individuals for up a week, without charge, persons sixteen and over for suspicion of knowledge or involvement of terrorist activity. Furthermore laws of sedition and control orders have limited the freedom of speech and the freedom of movement
Naturally the government wants its public to believe its actions are in their best interest. It not only endeavours to win the “heart and minds” of those it if fighting against but also of it own people. Instead of just defeating the enemy the new goal is to defeat them psychologically through the creation of a climate of constant fear. Sighting the work of political theorist Thomas Hobbes who wrote in his 1651 work Leviathan, Bethke Elshtain) wrote that, “If we live in constant fear of violent death we are likely to seek guarantees to prevent such” (2003, p 47). As a result governments are able to justify their actions through the promotion of fear in their rhetoric.
By creating a climate in which its citizen envisions anarchy and dread and a perceived threat of random violence their lies an ability to control. The ruling powers that be can exploit this fear knowing that if it fails in so called right to protect the people it will be perceived in dereliction of it duty. As a result they can justify an act of war. This however does not give it the right to abuse the authority given to it and seek unquestioned obedience and acceptance.
Under the perceived notion that the war is just in that it’s a war being fought under the right intention supposedly. For the United Stated their actions were justified in their eyes as they sort the punishment of the wrongdoers and the prevention of those who sought to harm and kill innocent civilian currently and in the future. But the both sides see themselves as being in the same position. They portray themselves through propaganda as being on the “good” side.
US President George W Bush used the term “crusade” in his post 9/11 speech, stating that the he and the power of the United States government would take action against the so called “axis of evil”. The government later realised the association this actually had with historical campaigns of Christian forces from the 11th to the 13th century that had the aim of expelling Muslims from the lands the occupied. Instead the government came up with “Operation Enduring Freedom” to describe it campaign of “liberation” of Afghanistan.
Moving forward the United States and its coalition of the allied countries began a long campaign involving Iraq. History will show that the world was lead into a War in Iraq on the basis of misinformation. The world was repeatedly told that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and that their leader Saddam Hussein was willing to use them. Documents and evidence supporting this claim were reportedly fabricated to implicate Iraq in plans to possess nuclear weapons. These fabrications were used to convince the public and policy makers alike of the need for military action.
The use of propaganda and the misrepresentation of the truth have been carried out in a threat to the freedom of truth and expression, which those that are responsible for are supposedly trying to protect. As Bethke Elshtain wrote that a climate of fear can lead to harsh measures, “The condition of fearfulness leads to severe isolation as the desire to protect one-self and one’s family becomes overwhelming (2003, p 47).
When the truth was exposed about Iraq and its apparent lack of weapons of mass destruction it was linked to the war on terror. The country was now presented as a breeding ground for terrorists. The war on terror would continue, as would the use of propaganda to influence the hearts and minds of the enemy and the public. Historically, however there has been little to no history of co-operation between Iraq and al-Qaeda leading up to the invasion.
As a result of manipulating the truth to justify their actions, the United States possibly created the situation that lead to terrorists being in Iraq and attacking United States interest. Rampton and Stauber stated “The propaganda approach becomes more attractive during wartime, when each side becomes preoccupied with manipulating and coercing the thinking of their enemy or domestic” (2003, p 134).
The United States government endeavoured to garner support for their actions through the continued use of propaganda. To show that what they were doing was right and their actions were justified. However the propagandist generally doesn’t hold a high regard for the intelligence of their targeted audience. With support for the war in Iraq diminishing the United States government needed something or someone to distract the public from the war that they created under false pretences. More and more people had begun to think critically about the situation and challenge the message that they were being told. In response the United States government sought to manipulate people at a primal level, appealing to them with emotional symbolism.
Quartermaster Corps Private First Class Jessica Dawn Lynch became an icon of the United States war effort. Portrayed as the all-American girl who became a heroine when the supply convoy she was with took a wrong turn and was ambushed by Iraqi military. Nine US soldiers were killed in the ensuing battle. Initial reports released by the military claimed that PFC Lynch had stab and bullet wounds and suggestions that she had also been sexually assaulted. Prior to her capture PFC Lynch, according to the Pentagon had fought heroically, engaging the enemy with her weapon before succumbing to her injuries. The injured and then unconscious PFC Lynch was taken to a local Iraqi hospital, in which she would stay for eight days until members of the United States military rescued her. The rescue operation was filmed by the military and the highly edited and some argued scripted film and transcript were provided to the world media to distribute to a public who loved the supposed hero story. For terrorists and governments alike the use of the media to gain attention and support for their respective causes balances nicely with media outlets drive for ratings and commercial success.
However after the initial release of information, accusations arose that the rescue mission to extract PFC Lynch and the bodies of her fellow soldiers carried out by elite Special Forces operatives was a staged media event. What the public had been told and what had actually occurred were two very different scenarios. Filmed with night vision camera the footage shows something akin to a Hollywood action movie, with the military meeting no enemy resistance. Iraqi forces had reportedly fled in the days prior to the rescue. In her testimony to the United State Congress, Lynch said she never fired her weapon during the ambush that leads to her capture. Instead her weapon had jammed and furthermore that she had been knocked unconscious when her vehicle crashed. She awoke to find that she was in Iraqi hospital and being provided medical care for her injuries. Her real injuries instead of those first advised consisted of a broken arm and thigh and a dislocated ankle which were found to be consistent with a car accident.
Lynch would later state, that the US government used her as a propaganda tool. In an address the US congress, she stated that, "They used me to symbolize all this stuff. It's wrong. I don't know why they filmed [my rescue] or why they say these things. She also stated "I did not shoot, not a round, nothing." I went down praying to my knees. And that's the last I remember."
Then there is the story of Patrick Daniel Tillman, the professional American football player who gave up fame and fortune to enlist in the US army. Tillman and his brother enlisted out of call of national duty after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Tillman would become the United States poster boy for the War on Terror. After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Tillman was reportedly killed by hostile fire in combat. Championed by the United States government and the media as a soldier who died defending the so called freedoms of the country, it would be a month after his death that the reports about he died were announced to be inaccurate. Army medical examiners confirmed growing suspicions amongst the media and public when they found that the three bullet holes in Tillman’s forehead were fired by a United State issued M16 machine gun. A subsequent military criminal investigation concluded that Tillman had been killed by friendly fire.
Subsequent investigation by some members of the media revealed that US Army investigators were aware of the cause and circumstances of Tillman’s death within days of the initial incident, yet covered it up to protect the reputation of the US Military. Tillman was posthumously promoted and award the Purple Heart medal and a Silver Star Medal for valor in the face of the enemy. Tillman’s family was not informed of the real circumstance of death until weeks after his memorial service. Tillman’s father, Patrick Tillman Sr. has voiced his opinion on the military covered up, “After it happened, all the people in positions of authority went out of their way to script this. They purposely interfered with the investigation; they covered it up. I think they thought they could control it, and they realized that their recruiting efforts were going to go to hell in a hand-basket if the truth about his death got out. They blew up their poster boy.”
Under the banner of a war on terror, Bush was able to topple two governments in Iraq and Afghanistan, eased restraints and empowered intelligence and law enforcement agencies to almost draconian levels. All of which have been done out of the perceived threat and the propaganda associated with the war on terror and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Furthermore in calling countries to account by including in the so called ‘axis of evil’, the United States government has increased the amount of fear perceived by people by stating that they have more and more enemies. The rhetoric of ‘your either with us or against us” does little to foster a democratic society. One in which people and countries should be able to freely express opposition without the fear or reprisal. The media, turning patriotism into an emotive response elicited from the people, then further fuels this message.
Finally as a result of all this, the people were left asking, “why do they hate us”, projecting the blame onto an external entity. Instead perhaps they need to understand that one man’s terrorist is another mans freedom fighter. Terrorists are only there as a result of a perceived injustice they seek to change. Furthermore the fear that exists for such groups is compounded by the propaganda that comes from the so called good and bad sides.
With democracy supposedly built upon the basis that people are able rationally self govern themself. Given the necessary information in which to critical analyse and determine the truth they inturn should be able to act on own best interests. However for the propagandist the aim is the opposite. By keeping people in a state of misinformation, living in fear they are able to be manipulated and controlled. The goal once was supposedly to win the “hearts and minds” of the people to create a world of democracy and freedom from authoritarian regimes that seek to control the will of the people. Instead it appears we are headed for what we fear most, a life ruled by fear itself.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Never Be the Same Again
Never Be The Same Again
Glenn Knight
Protected by the anonymity of the Internet, they reach out to the world trying to find comfort and understanding from those who share their affliction.
"I have to admit I’m not coping very well with the fact that I have this incurable virus and it’s not ever going to go away and I’ll never be the same person again."
The incurable virus referred to by this anonymous poster in an Internet forum is the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Often the victim of misinformation and ignorance, estimates currently put the number of people infected with genital herpes at more than one in five worldwide.
Dr Angela Cooney, Medical Director for Family Planning WA Sexual Health Services endeavours to put this number into perspective.
"There is a lot of ignorance about HSV and ignorance equates to fear. The majority of those who carry HSV 2 have no idea that they do! So ‘how to relate to those who have it’ is awkward when no one knows who has it!" she says.
The herpes simplex virus can exhibit itself in two ways. HSV-1 most commonly exhibits itself around a person’s lips as cold sores. HSV-2 is usually found around the genital area.
However, the virus isn’t mutually exclusive to those areas, with it possible for HSV-1 to occur in the genital region and HSV-2 to exhibit around the oral area. Herpes infections are primarily exhibited by the presence of sores or lesions around the aforementioned regions.
Once the virus has infected a person, the virus travels through the bodies’ nervous system until it settles in the base of the spine where it can lay dormant until another outbreak occurs. There is currently no known cure for the virus and the frequency of outbreaks (exhibiting symptoms) varies from person to person.
A recent study completed by the University of Otago followed 884 participants from an original 1000 sample, born in 1972 or 1973 in Dunedin, New Zealand. The 35-year longitudinal study has found that men aged 26 to 32 have twice the risk of woman the same age of contracting the virus.
The study published in the Sexually Transmitted Infections international journal, attributes these findings in part due too, as we age there is a higher likelihood of coming into contact with an existing sufferer of the virus. According to statements made by one of the study’s authors, Dr Nigel Dickson;
"The most likely reason for the risk to increase with age is that, as a person gets older, there is a tendency for their new sexual partners also to be older and hence more likely to harbour HSV-2. Also, as relationships tend to last longer as people get older, this is also likely to increase the risk of transmission," he says.
The researchers feel that the studies findings are illustrative of the need of a greater global community focus on re-educating the adult demographic about safer sexual practices.
"The study has significant implications for public health policy. Prevention in relation to sexually-transmitted infections has tended to focus on young people. Yet, to control the spread in populations where a high prevalence of infection is driving a large number of new cases, it is important to address all factors which contribute to this at any age" said Dr Dickson.
It was also found that while the highest rate of infection was among those with 10 or more partners aged 26 to 32, there was still high enough risk amongst those with fewer partners.
"This is also an important finding. Two-thirds of new infections in women actually occurred among those having four or fewer partners in that time, compared to less than 20 per cent for women up to age 26. A similar pattern was seen for men," co-author of the Otago study, Professor Charlotte Paul says.
Dr Jenny McCloskey, Head of Sexual Health Services Royal Perth Hospital and Fellow of the Chapter of Sexual Health Physicians, RACP, attributes the increase in herpes simplex virus and other sexually transmitted infections, to the change in our sociological behaviour.
"More relationships are breaking down and people are meeting new partners when they are older. In addition there is a lack of community awareness about STD’s and the older generations seem not be so familiar with using condoms", says Dr McCloskey.
Also of increasing concern amongst health professionals is the link between the herpes simplex virus and the transmission of HIV.
"What's more, transmission of HIV is enhanced by HSV-2 infection, so controlling the current spread of HSV-2 is likely to reduce the spread of HIV though the population in the future," says Dr Dickson.
According to Dr McCloskey, genital herpes is now regarded as the single biggest contributor to the spread of HIV worldwide. This factor also increases the societal impact of the HSV virus.
"The more people infected with HIV, the more the financial burden of care for the government," she says.
Fortunately for countries like Australia with a comparatively low rate of HIV infection the data can be put into perspective says Dr Angela Cooney, Medical Director for Family Planning WA Sexual Health Services.
"I actually think, along with some other sexual health workers, that HSV is not that vital an issue in a country which doesn’t have a high risk of HIV, "says Dr Cooney.
Whilst there is an apparent lack of knowledge amongst the wider community about the affects and nature of herpes, the matter appears to be further compounded by a lack of recognition and knowledge by the medical fraternity.
The International Herpes Management Forum advises that medical practitioners see the educational and emotional needs of genital herpes patients as the same as any other lifelong condition.
However, too often the medical fraternity and government bodies overlook the virus.
According to Dr McCloskey, many Doctors don’t see genital herpes as a serious infection and as such don’t provide a level of adequate patient treatment to the diagnosed.
"Three weeks ago I had a young woman come in with her mother, having been given a diagnosis of genital herpes by another GP, but no treatment or information. I took swabs, provided treatment and information, and asked her to return in five days. By that time her swab had come back showing type one as expected, but her boyfriend had been to a doctor who had taken a blood test and told him that he couldn’t be the source of the infection, as he didn’t have the ‘serious’ one, only the ‘mild’ one!"
Unfortunately it appears that stories such as this are told often by sexual health practitioners and sufferers alike.
"I frequently pick up the pieces from some doctors’ less than ideal management. But it is just like in the general population, unless you are interested you won’t seek out information on how to do it better," says Dr Cooney.
Whilst the physical impact of the virus can be discomforting for many people the social, emotional and psychological impact of the virus is the biggest factor. The psychological morbidity in patients with first episode genital herpes is statistically significantly greater than that occurring in non-herpes patients attending sexually transmitted disease clinics.
"I seem to spend a lot of time reassuring new sufferers that it isn’t the end of the world, and that the majority of people who are actually seropositive for HSV-2 have no, or very few, symptoms," says Dr Cooney.
Overcoming the negative perception of the virus and its lifelong effects often compound the physical aspect of the virus. The hardest thing reportedly for any sufferers, is having too reveal their condition to someone else. Whether it is a family member, friend or a potential partner, the very real fear of infecting someone else is compounded by the fear of being rejected.
"I think we need community education to start reducing this perception of ‘the unclean’. I find that the people who don’t have a lot of distress about an infection are those who haven’t heard a lot of the negative stuff, "says Dr Cooney.
In a 2005 survey published by the International Herpes Management Forum of genital herpes sufferers from 78 countries identified the main concern was, "is this end of my love/ sex life?"
"There are some people who have had a diagnosis of genital herpes, and they are often in a terrible position when trying to discuss the issue with a new partner, who is likely to run away screaming because of the fear/shame factor. So even those who know they carry the virus are reluctant to talk about it for fear of rejection," says Dr Cooney.
For sufferers perhaps they should take comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone. As stated one in five people are living with the virus. Though it may be a discomforting and lifelong condition, it should not be what defines a person’s life and character.
Glenn Knight
Protected by the anonymity of the Internet, they reach out to the world trying to find comfort and understanding from those who share their affliction.
"I have to admit I’m not coping very well with the fact that I have this incurable virus and it’s not ever going to go away and I’ll never be the same person again."
The incurable virus referred to by this anonymous poster in an Internet forum is the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Often the victim of misinformation and ignorance, estimates currently put the number of people infected with genital herpes at more than one in five worldwide.
Dr Angela Cooney, Medical Director for Family Planning WA Sexual Health Services endeavours to put this number into perspective.
"There is a lot of ignorance about HSV and ignorance equates to fear. The majority of those who carry HSV 2 have no idea that they do! So ‘how to relate to those who have it’ is awkward when no one knows who has it!" she says.
The herpes simplex virus can exhibit itself in two ways. HSV-1 most commonly exhibits itself around a person’s lips as cold sores. HSV-2 is usually found around the genital area.
However, the virus isn’t mutually exclusive to those areas, with it possible for HSV-1 to occur in the genital region and HSV-2 to exhibit around the oral area. Herpes infections are primarily exhibited by the presence of sores or lesions around the aforementioned regions.
Once the virus has infected a person, the virus travels through the bodies’ nervous system until it settles in the base of the spine where it can lay dormant until another outbreak occurs. There is currently no known cure for the virus and the frequency of outbreaks (exhibiting symptoms) varies from person to person.
A recent study completed by the University of Otago followed 884 participants from an original 1000 sample, born in 1972 or 1973 in Dunedin, New Zealand. The 35-year longitudinal study has found that men aged 26 to 32 have twice the risk of woman the same age of contracting the virus.
The study published in the Sexually Transmitted Infections international journal, attributes these findings in part due too, as we age there is a higher likelihood of coming into contact with an existing sufferer of the virus. According to statements made by one of the study’s authors, Dr Nigel Dickson;
"The most likely reason for the risk to increase with age is that, as a person gets older, there is a tendency for their new sexual partners also to be older and hence more likely to harbour HSV-2. Also, as relationships tend to last longer as people get older, this is also likely to increase the risk of transmission," he says.
The researchers feel that the studies findings are illustrative of the need of a greater global community focus on re-educating the adult demographic about safer sexual practices.
"The study has significant implications for public health policy. Prevention in relation to sexually-transmitted infections has tended to focus on young people. Yet, to control the spread in populations where a high prevalence of infection is driving a large number of new cases, it is important to address all factors which contribute to this at any age" said Dr Dickson.
It was also found that while the highest rate of infection was among those with 10 or more partners aged 26 to 32, there was still high enough risk amongst those with fewer partners.
"This is also an important finding. Two-thirds of new infections in women actually occurred among those having four or fewer partners in that time, compared to less than 20 per cent for women up to age 26. A similar pattern was seen for men," co-author of the Otago study, Professor Charlotte Paul says.
Dr Jenny McCloskey, Head of Sexual Health Services Royal Perth Hospital and Fellow of the Chapter of Sexual Health Physicians, RACP, attributes the increase in herpes simplex virus and other sexually transmitted infections, to the change in our sociological behaviour.
"More relationships are breaking down and people are meeting new partners when they are older. In addition there is a lack of community awareness about STD’s and the older generations seem not be so familiar with using condoms", says Dr McCloskey.
Also of increasing concern amongst health professionals is the link between the herpes simplex virus and the transmission of HIV.
"What's more, transmission of HIV is enhanced by HSV-2 infection, so controlling the current spread of HSV-2 is likely to reduce the spread of HIV though the population in the future," says Dr Dickson.
According to Dr McCloskey, genital herpes is now regarded as the single biggest contributor to the spread of HIV worldwide. This factor also increases the societal impact of the HSV virus.
"The more people infected with HIV, the more the financial burden of care for the government," she says.
Fortunately for countries like Australia with a comparatively low rate of HIV infection the data can be put into perspective says Dr Angela Cooney, Medical Director for Family Planning WA Sexual Health Services.
"I actually think, along with some other sexual health workers, that HSV is not that vital an issue in a country which doesn’t have a high risk of HIV, "says Dr Cooney.
Whilst there is an apparent lack of knowledge amongst the wider community about the affects and nature of herpes, the matter appears to be further compounded by a lack of recognition and knowledge by the medical fraternity.
The International Herpes Management Forum advises that medical practitioners see the educational and emotional needs of genital herpes patients as the same as any other lifelong condition.
However, too often the medical fraternity and government bodies overlook the virus.
According to Dr McCloskey, many Doctors don’t see genital herpes as a serious infection and as such don’t provide a level of adequate patient treatment to the diagnosed.
"Three weeks ago I had a young woman come in with her mother, having been given a diagnosis of genital herpes by another GP, but no treatment or information. I took swabs, provided treatment and information, and asked her to return in five days. By that time her swab had come back showing type one as expected, but her boyfriend had been to a doctor who had taken a blood test and told him that he couldn’t be the source of the infection, as he didn’t have the ‘serious’ one, only the ‘mild’ one!"
Unfortunately it appears that stories such as this are told often by sexual health practitioners and sufferers alike.
"I frequently pick up the pieces from some doctors’ less than ideal management. But it is just like in the general population, unless you are interested you won’t seek out information on how to do it better," says Dr Cooney.
Whilst the physical impact of the virus can be discomforting for many people the social, emotional and psychological impact of the virus is the biggest factor. The psychological morbidity in patients with first episode genital herpes is statistically significantly greater than that occurring in non-herpes patients attending sexually transmitted disease clinics.
"I seem to spend a lot of time reassuring new sufferers that it isn’t the end of the world, and that the majority of people who are actually seropositive for HSV-2 have no, or very few, symptoms," says Dr Cooney.
Overcoming the negative perception of the virus and its lifelong effects often compound the physical aspect of the virus. The hardest thing reportedly for any sufferers, is having too reveal their condition to someone else. Whether it is a family member, friend or a potential partner, the very real fear of infecting someone else is compounded by the fear of being rejected.
"I think we need community education to start reducing this perception of ‘the unclean’. I find that the people who don’t have a lot of distress about an infection are those who haven’t heard a lot of the negative stuff, "says Dr Cooney.
In a 2005 survey published by the International Herpes Management Forum of genital herpes sufferers from 78 countries identified the main concern was, "is this end of my love/ sex life?"
"There are some people who have had a diagnosis of genital herpes, and they are often in a terrible position when trying to discuss the issue with a new partner, who is likely to run away screaming because of the fear/shame factor. So even those who know they carry the virus are reluctant to talk about it for fear of rejection," says Dr Cooney.
For sufferers perhaps they should take comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone. As stated one in five people are living with the virus. Though it may be a discomforting and lifelong condition, it should not be what defines a person’s life and character.
Friday, June 2, 2006
Respect earned in blood
Link to Original: http://3degree.cci.ecu.edu.au/articles/view/515
Respect earned in blood
By Glenn Knight
02 June 2006
Too often overshadowed and overlooked, Vietnam Veterans are about to be shown a bit more of the respect they deserve thanks to new government initiatives.
Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War will be the focus of the Federal Government’s commemorations program for 2006.
Minister for Veteran’s Affairs, Bruce Billson announced a funding boost earlier this month, to commemorate the service of Australians during the war.
"The Australian Government has committed $4.5 million to support a range of special events and initiatives to recognise the contribution of those Australians who served in Vietnam and to increase community awareness of their wartime and post-war experiences," said Billson.
Vietnam Veterans Day on August 18, 2006, will also mark the 40th anniversary of The Battle of Long Tan, arguably the most well-known Australian action of the war.
"This anniversary provides us with an opportunity to recognise and commemorate the service of all Australian servicemen and women in Vietnam,” said Billson.
In 1966, the 1st Australian Task Force established its Phuoc Tuy operations base at Nui Dat - a piece of high ground surrounded by rubber plantations in the midst of a Viet Cong dominated province.
The Viet Cong plan was to lure the Australians from their base with mortar and rifle fire, then ambush them and inflict a politically unacceptable defeat.
On the night of August 16, a barrage of shells was fired by the Viet Cong at the Australian base, wounding 24 Australians.
Australian forces had previously become aware through radio intercepts and sightings that a large enemy force was operating close to their base.
The following afternoon, Australian patrols from D Company encountered the Viet Cong 275 Regiment who attacked them with mortar, rifle and machine gun fire.
In pouring rain the Australians returned fire, supported by artillery support from the Nui Dat base five km away.
In the hours that followed, aggressive tactics and the artillery support would see the battle turn in Australia's favour.
The arrival of reinforcements from A Company would see the Viet Cong force, initially estimated at 2500 soldiers, withdraw from the battlefield.
The Battle of Long Tan saw 17 Australians killed in action, one dieing of inflicted wounds, and 24 personnel wounded.
A commemorative service will be held at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial on August 18, as well as a special concert at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to mark the occasion.
States and Territories will also be provided with incentives to hold their own ceremonies and reunions.
This will be in addition to existing grant-opportunities under the current “Saluting Their Service” commemorations program.
Other initiatives will include the establishment of a website focusing on Australia’s involvement in Vietnam and in other South-East Asian conflict.
Grants will also be provided to museums that record Australia’s experiences in Vietnam.
Respect earned in blood
By Glenn Knight
02 June 2006
Too often overshadowed and overlooked, Vietnam Veterans are about to be shown a bit more of the respect they deserve thanks to new government initiatives.
Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War will be the focus of the Federal Government’s commemorations program for 2006.
Minister for Veteran’s Affairs, Bruce Billson announced a funding boost earlier this month, to commemorate the service of Australians during the war.
"The Australian Government has committed $4.5 million to support a range of special events and initiatives to recognise the contribution of those Australians who served in Vietnam and to increase community awareness of their wartime and post-war experiences," said Billson.
Vietnam Veterans Day on August 18, 2006, will also mark the 40th anniversary of The Battle of Long Tan, arguably the most well-known Australian action of the war.
"This anniversary provides us with an opportunity to recognise and commemorate the service of all Australian servicemen and women in Vietnam,” said Billson.
In 1966, the 1st Australian Task Force established its Phuoc Tuy operations base at Nui Dat - a piece of high ground surrounded by rubber plantations in the midst of a Viet Cong dominated province.
The Viet Cong plan was to lure the Australians from their base with mortar and rifle fire, then ambush them and inflict a politically unacceptable defeat.
On the night of August 16, a barrage of shells was fired by the Viet Cong at the Australian base, wounding 24 Australians.
Australian forces had previously become aware through radio intercepts and sightings that a large enemy force was operating close to their base.
The following afternoon, Australian patrols from D Company encountered the Viet Cong 275 Regiment who attacked them with mortar, rifle and machine gun fire.
In pouring rain the Australians returned fire, supported by artillery support from the Nui Dat base five km away.
In the hours that followed, aggressive tactics and the artillery support would see the battle turn in Australia's favour.
The arrival of reinforcements from A Company would see the Viet Cong force, initially estimated at 2500 soldiers, withdraw from the battlefield.
The Battle of Long Tan saw 17 Australians killed in action, one dieing of inflicted wounds, and 24 personnel wounded.
A commemorative service will be held at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial on August 18, as well as a special concert at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to mark the occasion.
States and Territories will also be provided with incentives to hold their own ceremonies and reunions.
This will be in addition to existing grant-opportunities under the current “Saluting Their Service” commemorations program.
Other initiatives will include the establishment of a website focusing on Australia’s involvement in Vietnam and in other South-East Asian conflict.
Grants will also be provided to museums that record Australia’s experiences in Vietnam.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Pilots flying high
Link to Original: http://3degree.cci.ecu.edu.au/articles/view/460
Pilots flying high
By Glenn Knight
26 May 2006
Mandatory drug testing for aviation safety sensitive personnel will be come mandatory under new regulations introduced this month by the Federal Government.
The Federal Government has announced new mandatory drug and alcohol testing requirements for aviation industry workers this month.
Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss, has said that the new regulations will be aimed at safety-sensitive personnel.
“The road transport industry and other sectors such as mining and forestry have already moved to address the safety risk posed by drug and alcohol use. It is appropriate for the aviation sector to do likewise,” said Truss.
The move comes after a report prepared by the Department of Transport and Regional Services and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) found estimates of between 5-8% of all pilots had alcohol or drug abuse problems.
The report found that aviation personnel should not be treated differently from the rest of the community in relation to substance abuse. It deemed that where it is appropriate for safety reasons that those employed in the aviation industry be subject to testing..
Australia’s biggest airline Qantas has welcomed the government’s decision. Qantas Executive General Manager People, Kevin Brown, has said that the new requirements are complementary to the airline's existing Alcohol and Other Drugs program.
“Our program was introduced in 2003 after extensive consultation with employees and provides for education and training, rehabilitation and testing for all employees,” Brown said.
According to Brown, Qantas has always maintained a zero blood alcohol and drug free policy within the workplace. Under the new regulations they will incorporate random testing into existing procedures.
“The Alcohol and Other Drugs program is part of our comprehensive occupational health and safety system and is one element of our commitment to providing a safe workplace for everyone at Qantas,” he said.
Regulation 256 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, states that the use of drugs and alcohol by aircraft crew and air traffic controllers is prohibited whilst on duty and for eight hours prior to duty. They are also precluded from duty if affected by drugs and alcohol.
The report also found that in a survey conducted in June 2005, that 22.5% of the 1196 pilots who responded felt that in the previous 12 months, safety may have been compromised by alcohol, drugs or prescription medicine. This figure rises to 25.7% when private operations are discounted.
Similar testing in the United States saw over 30,000 positive tests reported between 1990 and 2003. The majority of these (21,000) were the result of pre-employment testing.
British authorities are also investigating the issue. Spurred by a number of incidents, they too have introduced legislation allowing “on suspicion” testing by police.
However calls for random testing were strengthened by an incident in February 2005 where a Pakistan International Airlines, Boeing 747 pilot was found to be drunk prior to departure.
The report recommended that random testing be used as it acts a “pro-active deterrent” on those who consider drug and alcohol use and abuse. It recommended that a flexible mix of testing be adopted that included, pre-employment, random, on suspicion, post incident and post treatment where appropriate.
Zero tolerance for certain illicit drug groups, including cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines and phencyclidine (commonly known as PCP) was also recommended.
Pilots flying high
By Glenn Knight
26 May 2006
Mandatory drug testing for aviation safety sensitive personnel will be come mandatory under new regulations introduced this month by the Federal Government.
The Federal Government has announced new mandatory drug and alcohol testing requirements for aviation industry workers this month.
Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss, has said that the new regulations will be aimed at safety-sensitive personnel.
“The road transport industry and other sectors such as mining and forestry have already moved to address the safety risk posed by drug and alcohol use. It is appropriate for the aviation sector to do likewise,” said Truss.
The move comes after a report prepared by the Department of Transport and Regional Services and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) found estimates of between 5-8% of all pilots had alcohol or drug abuse problems.
The report found that aviation personnel should not be treated differently from the rest of the community in relation to substance abuse. It deemed that where it is appropriate for safety reasons that those employed in the aviation industry be subject to testing..
Australia’s biggest airline Qantas has welcomed the government’s decision. Qantas Executive General Manager People, Kevin Brown, has said that the new requirements are complementary to the airline's existing Alcohol and Other Drugs program.
“Our program was introduced in 2003 after extensive consultation with employees and provides for education and training, rehabilitation and testing for all employees,” Brown said.
According to Brown, Qantas has always maintained a zero blood alcohol and drug free policy within the workplace. Under the new regulations they will incorporate random testing into existing procedures.
“The Alcohol and Other Drugs program is part of our comprehensive occupational health and safety system and is one element of our commitment to providing a safe workplace for everyone at Qantas,” he said.
Regulation 256 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, states that the use of drugs and alcohol by aircraft crew and air traffic controllers is prohibited whilst on duty and for eight hours prior to duty. They are also precluded from duty if affected by drugs and alcohol.
The report also found that in a survey conducted in June 2005, that 22.5% of the 1196 pilots who responded felt that in the previous 12 months, safety may have been compromised by alcohol, drugs or prescription medicine. This figure rises to 25.7% when private operations are discounted.
Similar testing in the United States saw over 30,000 positive tests reported between 1990 and 2003. The majority of these (21,000) were the result of pre-employment testing.
British authorities are also investigating the issue. Spurred by a number of incidents, they too have introduced legislation allowing “on suspicion” testing by police.
However calls for random testing were strengthened by an incident in February 2005 where a Pakistan International Airlines, Boeing 747 pilot was found to be drunk prior to departure.
The report recommended that random testing be used as it acts a “pro-active deterrent” on those who consider drug and alcohol use and abuse. It recommended that a flexible mix of testing be adopted that included, pre-employment, random, on suspicion, post incident and post treatment where appropriate.
Zero tolerance for certain illicit drug groups, including cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines and phencyclidine (commonly known as PCP) was also recommended.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Aussie's leave Bangladesh hungry
Link to Original: http://3degree.cci.ecu.edu.au/articles/view/366
Aussie's leave Bangladesh hungry
By Glenn Knight
12 May 2006
It was a cricket tour that Australia didn't want to participate in due to a percieved lack of competition. By the end Australia had won every game, but Bangladesh showed that they were no longer the cricket world's whipping boys.
It was a tour that started off with the unimaginable almost occurring. Australia, after a hard test series in South Africa, was on the ropes against a spirited Bangladeshi cricket team.
The first test saw the Australian bowling attack of Brett Lee, Shane Warne, Stuart MacGill and Jason Gillespie struggle on a pitch that gave them little to work with.
Shahriar Nafee took advantage of the favourable batting conditions to score his maiden first-class 100 and helped his side to a 427 first innings total. His innings of 138 included a record highest run partnership of 187 in Bangladeshi first-class cricket with Habibul Bashar (76).
Australia struggled in reply to be 6 for 93, thanks largely to the bowling of Mohammad Rafique who ended the innings on 5 for 62, however a recovery lead by Adam Gilchrist (144) saw Australia’s innings close at 269.
The Bangladeshi second innings was a dismal display. Scoring only 148, Australia was left a challenging 307 for victory. Captain Ricky Ponting regained his impressive form, scoring 118 to lead Australia to a lucky first test victory by three wickets. Rafique again bowled impressively with figures of 4 for 98 in the second innings.
The second test will go down in history as featuring one of the greatest batting displays by one of the game’s least likely cricketers. Bangladesh was bowled out for a low 197 on the first day.
Australia’s first innings saw pace bowler Jason Gillespie come to the wicket as night watchman with the score at 1 for 67. Gillespie batted through the rest of day one and day two, and entered the record books on the third day by bringing up his maiden first-class century.
He was well supported by Mike Hussey who made 182 before his wicket fell. By the time Australia declared at 4 for 581 on the fourth day, Gillespie had scored an impressive 201 runs, a rare feat for a player who had not previously scored a century in his entire cricketing career. After the innings Gillespie was a reluctant to accept the accolades.
“This is ridiculous,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald. “I was just lucky that the shots came off and I had a bit of a laugh all the way. It’s unbelievable. It’s a fairytale, really. Hansel and Gretel and Dizzy’s double hundred, it’s one and the same. Absolute fairytale,” he said.
Early in the innings Phil Jacques continued his push for a permanent spot with an impressive 66. Ponting also enjoyed some time at the crease with another half century before being dismissed for 52.
The only highlight for Bangladesh was Nafee’s continued form. His 79, in conjunction with Mohammad Rafique’s 65 in the second innings, showed that there is promise in the batting department for Bangladesh.
Unfortunately for them, the Australian spin trio of Warne, MacGill and test debutant Daniel Cullen tore through the Bangladeshi side with relative ease.
Warne’s eight wickets and MacGill’s seven for the match saw Australia win by an innings and 80 runs. The series win leaves Australia unbeaten at test level since the Ashes series against England. Gillespie was also named Man of the Series.
Boosted by their test success Australia looked to make a statement in the one-day series and atone for their upset loss to Bangladesh last year. Bangladesh managed to score 195 from their 50 overs, with Brad Hogg enjoying figures of 3 for 37.
Bashar (52) and Khaled Mashud (27) added 54 for the sixth wicket, the only partnership of note in the innings.
In reply, Gilchrist showed why he is considered the best one-day batsman with a blazing 76 off 46 deliveries to open the Australian innings. Australia faulted to be 5 for 155 but was lead to a four-wicket victory thanks the batting of Hussey (36) and Lee (12).
The second one-day international saw Australia seal a series victory. In a display of powerful batting Andrew Symonds (103) and Michael Clarke (54) lead Australia to a comfortable 4 for 250 from their 50 overs.
Mashrafe Mortaza was the best of the Bangladeshi bowlers with figures of 3 for 54. Bashar was again the only shining light in the locals’ run chase. His innings of 70, before losing his wicket to Clarke, started a Bangladeshi collapse.
Losing their last four wickets for only 26 runs, Bangladesh fell 67 runs short of the Australian total. Hogg again was impressive with the ball, ending the game with 3 for 34.
Any hope of a face-saving win by the locals in the third and final game was soon forgotten as Australia, using eight bowlers, rolled Bangladesh for 124.
Hogg continued his excellent form bowling 3 for 17. Young Queensland ‘quick’ Michell Johnson showed a glimpse of what he’s capable of with 2 for 24 from his eight overs.
In reply, debutante South Australia batsman Mark Cosgrove smashed 74 to help Australia surpass the target of 125 in only 22.4 overs and give the tourists a 3–0 sweep of the series. Hogg was rewarded for his fine bowling throughout by being named Man of the Series.
Aussie's leave Bangladesh hungry
By Glenn Knight
12 May 2006
It was a cricket tour that Australia didn't want to participate in due to a percieved lack of competition. By the end Australia had won every game, but Bangladesh showed that they were no longer the cricket world's whipping boys.
It was a tour that started off with the unimaginable almost occurring. Australia, after a hard test series in South Africa, was on the ropes against a spirited Bangladeshi cricket team.
The first test saw the Australian bowling attack of Brett Lee, Shane Warne, Stuart MacGill and Jason Gillespie struggle on a pitch that gave them little to work with.
Shahriar Nafee took advantage of the favourable batting conditions to score his maiden first-class 100 and helped his side to a 427 first innings total. His innings of 138 included a record highest run partnership of 187 in Bangladeshi first-class cricket with Habibul Bashar (76).
Australia struggled in reply to be 6 for 93, thanks largely to the bowling of Mohammad Rafique who ended the innings on 5 for 62, however a recovery lead by Adam Gilchrist (144) saw Australia’s innings close at 269.
The Bangladeshi second innings was a dismal display. Scoring only 148, Australia was left a challenging 307 for victory. Captain Ricky Ponting regained his impressive form, scoring 118 to lead Australia to a lucky first test victory by three wickets. Rafique again bowled impressively with figures of 4 for 98 in the second innings.
The second test will go down in history as featuring one of the greatest batting displays by one of the game’s least likely cricketers. Bangladesh was bowled out for a low 197 on the first day.
Australia’s first innings saw pace bowler Jason Gillespie come to the wicket as night watchman with the score at 1 for 67. Gillespie batted through the rest of day one and day two, and entered the record books on the third day by bringing up his maiden first-class century.
He was well supported by Mike Hussey who made 182 before his wicket fell. By the time Australia declared at 4 for 581 on the fourth day, Gillespie had scored an impressive 201 runs, a rare feat for a player who had not previously scored a century in his entire cricketing career. After the innings Gillespie was a reluctant to accept the accolades.
“This is ridiculous,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald. “I was just lucky that the shots came off and I had a bit of a laugh all the way. It’s unbelievable. It’s a fairytale, really. Hansel and Gretel and Dizzy’s double hundred, it’s one and the same. Absolute fairytale,” he said.
Early in the innings Phil Jacques continued his push for a permanent spot with an impressive 66. Ponting also enjoyed some time at the crease with another half century before being dismissed for 52.
The only highlight for Bangladesh was Nafee’s continued form. His 79, in conjunction with Mohammad Rafique’s 65 in the second innings, showed that there is promise in the batting department for Bangladesh.
Unfortunately for them, the Australian spin trio of Warne, MacGill and test debutant Daniel Cullen tore through the Bangladeshi side with relative ease.
Warne’s eight wickets and MacGill’s seven for the match saw Australia win by an innings and 80 runs. The series win leaves Australia unbeaten at test level since the Ashes series against England. Gillespie was also named Man of the Series.
Boosted by their test success Australia looked to make a statement in the one-day series and atone for their upset loss to Bangladesh last year. Bangladesh managed to score 195 from their 50 overs, with Brad Hogg enjoying figures of 3 for 37.
Bashar (52) and Khaled Mashud (27) added 54 for the sixth wicket, the only partnership of note in the innings.
In reply, Gilchrist showed why he is considered the best one-day batsman with a blazing 76 off 46 deliveries to open the Australian innings. Australia faulted to be 5 for 155 but was lead to a four-wicket victory thanks the batting of Hussey (36) and Lee (12).
The second one-day international saw Australia seal a series victory. In a display of powerful batting Andrew Symonds (103) and Michael Clarke (54) lead Australia to a comfortable 4 for 250 from their 50 overs.
Mashrafe Mortaza was the best of the Bangladeshi bowlers with figures of 3 for 54. Bashar was again the only shining light in the locals’ run chase. His innings of 70, before losing his wicket to Clarke, started a Bangladeshi collapse.
Losing their last four wickets for only 26 runs, Bangladesh fell 67 runs short of the Australian total. Hogg again was impressive with the ball, ending the game with 3 for 34.
Any hope of a face-saving win by the locals in the third and final game was soon forgotten as Australia, using eight bowlers, rolled Bangladesh for 124.
Hogg continued his excellent form bowling 3 for 17. Young Queensland ‘quick’ Michell Johnson showed a glimpse of what he’s capable of with 2 for 24 from his eight overs.
In reply, debutante South Australia batsman Mark Cosgrove smashed 74 to help Australia surpass the target of 125 in only 22.4 overs and give the tourists a 3–0 sweep of the series. Hogg was rewarded for his fine bowling throughout by being named Man of the Series.
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
D’Orazio Dumped
Link to Original: http://3degree.cci.ecu.edu.au/articles/view/398
D’Orazio Dumped
By Glenn Knight
09 May 2006
BREAKING NEWS: WA Police and Justice Minister John D’Orazio has resigned from State Cabinet after being sacked on Monday by Premier Alan Carpenter after it was revealed he had been driving illegally after losing his licence.
D’Orazio ended the speculation over his immediate political future by announcing his resignation from State Cabinet on Tuesday at the State Labor party caucus meeting. Carpenter announced on Monday that D’Orazio has been removed from the Police and Justice portfolios in State Cabinet.
“In my view, and after careful consideration of the matter, I do not believe D’Orazio can continue as Minister with responsibilities for fines enforcement and road traffic matters,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter learnt from D’Orazio last week that his licence had been lost after failing to pay a $100 speeding fine that he incurred in August last year.
According to D’Orazio he had sent a cheque to pay the fine but was unaware that the cheque had not been accepted because it was too late. He claims that he received no follow up advice because reminder notices were sent to his previous residential address in Noranda. Failure to pay the fine resulted in his licence being suspended from February 22.
D’Orazio only discovered that his licence had been suspended when his wife went to pay another outstanding $100 fine for another incident in October last year. Payment of the fines automatically restored his licence but it meant that he had been driving illegally for the last two months.
The events leave the Premier and the State Government looking red faced. In September last year D’Orazio launched a campaign that targeted 40,000 Western Australians who had lost their drivers licences through non-payment of fines.
The drama for the State Government also comes as only last week D’Orazio announced tougher penalties for speeding and restraints offences.
“The aim of the Traffic Code is to make our roads safer, by penalising motorists who put their own lives and those of others at risk,” D’Orazio said in statements released last week.
D’Orazio’s resignation will lead to further shuffling of the ministerial front bench. The moves yesterday saw his portfolio divided amongst other ministers.
Minister John Kobelke will add Police, Emergency Services and Community Safety to his existing portfolios.
Woman’s Interests Minister, Margaret Quirk will take on the Justice portfolio.
David Templeman will relinquish Seniors and Volunteering while retaining Community Development; Youth and assisting Minister for Planning and Infrastructure.
Disability Services; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests and the Seniors and Volunteers Portfolios have yet to be reallocated.
D’Orazio Dumped
By Glenn Knight
09 May 2006
BREAKING NEWS: WA Police and Justice Minister John D’Orazio has resigned from State Cabinet after being sacked on Monday by Premier Alan Carpenter after it was revealed he had been driving illegally after losing his licence.
D’Orazio ended the speculation over his immediate political future by announcing his resignation from State Cabinet on Tuesday at the State Labor party caucus meeting. Carpenter announced on Monday that D’Orazio has been removed from the Police and Justice portfolios in State Cabinet.
“In my view, and after careful consideration of the matter, I do not believe D’Orazio can continue as Minister with responsibilities for fines enforcement and road traffic matters,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter learnt from D’Orazio last week that his licence had been lost after failing to pay a $100 speeding fine that he incurred in August last year.
According to D’Orazio he had sent a cheque to pay the fine but was unaware that the cheque had not been accepted because it was too late. He claims that he received no follow up advice because reminder notices were sent to his previous residential address in Noranda. Failure to pay the fine resulted in his licence being suspended from February 22.
D’Orazio only discovered that his licence had been suspended when his wife went to pay another outstanding $100 fine for another incident in October last year. Payment of the fines automatically restored his licence but it meant that he had been driving illegally for the last two months.
The events leave the Premier and the State Government looking red faced. In September last year D’Orazio launched a campaign that targeted 40,000 Western Australians who had lost their drivers licences through non-payment of fines.
The drama for the State Government also comes as only last week D’Orazio announced tougher penalties for speeding and restraints offences.
“The aim of the Traffic Code is to make our roads safer, by penalising motorists who put their own lives and those of others at risk,” D’Orazio said in statements released last week.
D’Orazio’s resignation will lead to further shuffling of the ministerial front bench. The moves yesterday saw his portfolio divided amongst other ministers.
Minister John Kobelke will add Police, Emergency Services and Community Safety to his existing portfolios.
Woman’s Interests Minister, Margaret Quirk will take on the Justice portfolio.
David Templeman will relinquish Seniors and Volunteering while retaining Community Development; Youth and assisting Minister for Planning and Infrastructure.
Disability Services; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests and the Seniors and Volunteers Portfolios have yet to be reallocated.
Crackdown on Cyber Predators
Link to Original: http://3degree.cci.ecu.edu.au/articles/view/326
Crackdown on Cyber Predators
By Glenn Knight
09 May 2006
According to the FBI, one in four kids, aged 10-17, has been exposed to unwanted sexual material online. Children are increasingly being targeted by paedophiles who use the Internet to exploit children. The WA Police are fighting back!
WA Police now have a specialist team targeting paedophiles who use the Internet as a means to sexually exploit children. The team in conjunction with new laws introduced last month will give police greater powers in protecting those vulnerable to cyber-predators.
In statements released this month Attorney General Jim McGinty has said that police will be able to pose and conduct sting operations under the new laws.
"Under these new laws, paedophiles will no longer have the anonymity of the Internet to prey on young children because police will be using the Internet to turn the tables on these perverts,” said McGinty.
The team will be able to go online and uncover people who use the Internet and trawl chat rooms searching for potential victims.
"Sexual predators are notorious for using chat rooms to 'groom' children by having sexually explicit on-line conversations and sending obscene images," McGinty said.
The new taskforce comes as Australia is recognised as being one of five nations out of 184 nations studied found to be effectively cracking down on child pornography.
The research carried out by the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children found that Australia, France, Belgium, South Africa and the United States have sufficient legislation for dealing with the issue.
The proliferation of the problem has recently resulted in the United States government holding congressional hearings into the issue. They came after New York Times investigative journalist Kurt Eichenwald discovered details about how the predators operate and how with apparent ease they are able to seduce their victims through the internet.
Eichenwald told the hearings how some companies knowingly and unknowingly profit from child pornography. Companies such as web cam services and credit card payment providers are helping to facilitate the predator/victim dynamic. One such victim was teenager Justin Berry.
Berry said at the hearing that from age 13 (now 19) he was lured into the world of child pornography. What began as seemingly innocent chat requests from unknown men escalated over 5 years to where Berry was being molested and performing sexual acts for a web-cam audience through his own website.
"I was paid by more than 1,000 men to strip naked, masturbate and even have sex with female prostitutes while on camera," said Berry to the congressional hearing.
During that five year period Berry was repeatedly molested and abused by men he met through the internet. Lured by money, gifts and drugs he tells how he became almost a willing participant in the behaviour. He also told the hearings that it was relatively easy for predators to find victims due to the nature of the internet.
Eichenwald’s told the congressional hearings that his investigation found that sites such as My Space and Buddy Pic were being used as a virtual catalogue for paedophiles.
“Using these sites in combination, predators can search for children, by age, location and sex. They can obtain enormous amounts of identifying data,” he said.
Both Eichenwald and Berry agree that more needs to be done to stop the cyber predators and that law enforcement agencies need to be more aggressive in their actions.
Taking the fight to the Internet has proven to be successful for Queensland Police in the past. Task Force Argos, which ran from June 2003 to September 2004, showed that 76% of cases involved the suspects being arrested for an offence within a month of first making contact with a child.
Inspector Kellie Properjohn from the WA Police Major Crime Division said the Queensland example showed remarkable results and gave promise to the WA team.
"In 68% of cases the adult sought offline contact with the child. In 48% of cases the adult suspect was arrested at the intended rendezvous with the child," he said.
The Criminal Code Amendment (Cyber Predators) Bill 2005, will also make it an offence for electronic media to be used to procure children for sexual activity or behaviour.
The new laws carry prison terms of up to ten years for those convicted of procuring for sexual or indecent activity, or supplying indecent material to a child that they thought was under the age of the thirteen.
A five year jail sentence faces those offenders if the child is between the ages of thirteen and sixteen.
The new cyber predator team will also have the capability to share information with other state and international police agencies. It is hoped that this will lead to greater detection and apprehension of child sex offenders not only within Australia but internationally.
Agencies such as the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) have adopted similar tactics with success. They developed the Innocent Images National Initiative (IINI), to combat an increased proliferation of child pornography and child sexual exploitation facilitated by the Internet.
Using tactics similar to the WA Police, between 1996 and 2005, IINI saw an increase of 2026% in the number of cases in the area investigated by the FBI. This saw a resulting increase of 2325% in arrests and summons for child sexual offences.
In conjunction with the new laws, programs will be developed to better educate children and their parents about the hazards of the Internet.
State, Territorial and Federal Police have already produced a booklet called Who’s chatting to your kids? that points out that ultimately, child safety rests with parents.
Crackdown on Cyber Predators
By Glenn Knight
09 May 2006
According to the FBI, one in four kids, aged 10-17, has been exposed to unwanted sexual material online. Children are increasingly being targeted by paedophiles who use the Internet to exploit children. The WA Police are fighting back!
WA Police now have a specialist team targeting paedophiles who use the Internet as a means to sexually exploit children. The team in conjunction with new laws introduced last month will give police greater powers in protecting those vulnerable to cyber-predators.
In statements released this month Attorney General Jim McGinty has said that police will be able to pose and conduct sting operations under the new laws.
"Under these new laws, paedophiles will no longer have the anonymity of the Internet to prey on young children because police will be using the Internet to turn the tables on these perverts,” said McGinty.
The team will be able to go online and uncover people who use the Internet and trawl chat rooms searching for potential victims.
"Sexual predators are notorious for using chat rooms to 'groom' children by having sexually explicit on-line conversations and sending obscene images," McGinty said.
The new taskforce comes as Australia is recognised as being one of five nations out of 184 nations studied found to be effectively cracking down on child pornography.
The research carried out by the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children found that Australia, France, Belgium, South Africa and the United States have sufficient legislation for dealing with the issue.
The proliferation of the problem has recently resulted in the United States government holding congressional hearings into the issue. They came after New York Times investigative journalist Kurt Eichenwald discovered details about how the predators operate and how with apparent ease they are able to seduce their victims through the internet.
Eichenwald told the hearings how some companies knowingly and unknowingly profit from child pornography. Companies such as web cam services and credit card payment providers are helping to facilitate the predator/victim dynamic. One such victim was teenager Justin Berry.
Berry said at the hearing that from age 13 (now 19) he was lured into the world of child pornography. What began as seemingly innocent chat requests from unknown men escalated over 5 years to where Berry was being molested and performing sexual acts for a web-cam audience through his own website.
"I was paid by more than 1,000 men to strip naked, masturbate and even have sex with female prostitutes while on camera," said Berry to the congressional hearing.
During that five year period Berry was repeatedly molested and abused by men he met through the internet. Lured by money, gifts and drugs he tells how he became almost a willing participant in the behaviour. He also told the hearings that it was relatively easy for predators to find victims due to the nature of the internet.
Eichenwald’s told the congressional hearings that his investigation found that sites such as My Space and Buddy Pic were being used as a virtual catalogue for paedophiles.
“Using these sites in combination, predators can search for children, by age, location and sex. They can obtain enormous amounts of identifying data,” he said.
Both Eichenwald and Berry agree that more needs to be done to stop the cyber predators and that law enforcement agencies need to be more aggressive in their actions.
Taking the fight to the Internet has proven to be successful for Queensland Police in the past. Task Force Argos, which ran from June 2003 to September 2004, showed that 76% of cases involved the suspects being arrested for an offence within a month of first making contact with a child.
Inspector Kellie Properjohn from the WA Police Major Crime Division said the Queensland example showed remarkable results and gave promise to the WA team.
"In 68% of cases the adult sought offline contact with the child. In 48% of cases the adult suspect was arrested at the intended rendezvous with the child," he said.
The Criminal Code Amendment (Cyber Predators) Bill 2005, will also make it an offence for electronic media to be used to procure children for sexual activity or behaviour.
The new laws carry prison terms of up to ten years for those convicted of procuring for sexual or indecent activity, or supplying indecent material to a child that they thought was under the age of the thirteen.
A five year jail sentence faces those offenders if the child is between the ages of thirteen and sixteen.
The new cyber predator team will also have the capability to share information with other state and international police agencies. It is hoped that this will lead to greater detection and apprehension of child sex offenders not only within Australia but internationally.
Agencies such as the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) have adopted similar tactics with success. They developed the Innocent Images National Initiative (IINI), to combat an increased proliferation of child pornography and child sexual exploitation facilitated by the Internet.
Using tactics similar to the WA Police, between 1996 and 2005, IINI saw an increase of 2026% in the number of cases in the area investigated by the FBI. This saw a resulting increase of 2325% in arrests and summons for child sexual offences.
In conjunction with the new laws, programs will be developed to better educate children and their parents about the hazards of the Internet.
State, Territorial and Federal Police have already produced a booklet called Who’s chatting to your kids? that points out that ultimately, child safety rests with parents.
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