In the News
Monday, 30 January 2012
The Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott MP, and the Coalition have established an Online Safety Working group to assist parents, carers and teachers to better protect children and young people from risks associated with the internet and social media.
Alex Hawke MP, The Federal Member for Mitchell was sought out by Mr Abbott to join the working group which consists of nine Coalition members and Senators.
Alex Hawke has been a long term advocate of cyber-safety issues. Mr Hawke has been Deputy Chair of the Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety since 2010 which authored the ‘High-Wire Act: Cyber-Safety and the Young’ which made 22 critical recommendations to the government on this issue.
“Social Media and the Internet are evolving at an exponential rate,” Alex Hawke said. “This brings countless new opportunities for learning and development to young people. However, with this new technology there are dangers that need to be considered, especially for young people.
“The ease of access to illegal or inappropriate content and the use of social media as a forum for online bullying are an example of issues that need to be addressed.
“We are not interested in repeating Labor’s ill-conceived attempt to put a filter on the internet. The Coalition’s goal is to assist parents and teachers in their work of protecting children and preparing them for adulthood.
“This is to protect cyber-privacy. It’s not about trying to enforce cyber-censorship.”
Mr Hawke is calling on residents from the Mitchell electorate to have their say on this important issue.
“We have a lot of young families and young adults in the Mitchell electorate. I call on anybody who has an opinion or idea regarding online safety to contact my office and make their views known. Online safety is an issue which affects everyone in one way or another. It is important that everyone has an opportunity to have their say either by contacting my office or attending one of the Community Forums the Working Group will be holding (details to follow).”
If you would like to contact Mr Hawke to offer any comments or suggestions on Online Safety please contact the electorate office or alternatively you can add Alex Hawke as a friend on Facebook or follow AlexHawkeMP on Twitter.
Alex Hawke MP, The Federal Member for Mitchell was sought out by Mr Abbott to join the working group which consists of nine Coalition members and Senators.
Alex Hawke has been a long term advocate of cyber-safety issues. Mr Hawke has been Deputy Chair of the Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety since 2010 which authored the ‘High-Wire Act: Cyber-Safety and the Young’ which made 22 critical recommendations to the government on this issue.
“Social Media and the Internet are evolving at an exponential rate,” Alex Hawke said. “This brings countless new opportunities for learning and development to young people. However, with this new technology there are dangers that need to be considered, especially for young people.
“The ease of access to illegal or inappropriate content and the use of social media as a forum for online bullying are an example of issues that need to be addressed.
“We are not interested in repeating Labor’s ill-conceived attempt to put a filter on the internet. The Coalition’s goal is to assist parents and teachers in their work of protecting children and preparing them for adulthood.
“This is to protect cyber-privacy. It’s not about trying to enforce cyber-censorship.”
Mr Hawke is calling on residents from the Mitchell electorate to have their say on this important issue.
“We have a lot of young families and young adults in the Mitchell electorate. I call on anybody who has an opinion or idea regarding online safety to contact my office and make their views known. Online safety is an issue which affects everyone in one way or another. It is important that everyone has an opportunity to have their say either by contacting my office or attending one of the Community Forums the Working Group will be holding.”
Click here to view the Terms of Reference.
If you would like to contact Mr Hawke to offer any comments or suggestions on Online Safety please contact the electorate office or alternatively you can add Alex Hawke as a friend on Facebook or follow AlexHawkeMP on Twitter.
There are many activities being held in the Hills District that you can participate in.
You can start the day attending a Flag-raising ceremony, join in and enjoy the family friendly events held throughout the day, and be entertained in the evening with live bands and fireworks.
For more information go to the Hills Shire Council website http://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Australia-Day-2012.html
It is also a time of reflection. Many of us lead busy lives which makes it important at this time of year to take a step back and reflect on the positive things we have done over the past year as well as looking forward to what we hope to achieve over the next 12 months.
It has been an absolute pleasure working with and for our local community in 2011, I await 2012 with anticipation. The Hills area is filled with many special people be they the volunteers who tirelessly help others in need or our business owners and entrepreneurs generating employment and wealth, or the mums and dads working hard to raise children in the best way that they can. The Hills district has a lot to be proud of this year.
Rebecca and I sincerely wish you a Happy New Year and a great 2012
December is a flurry of activity; including attending school presentations and community Christmas events. These events are great as I get the opportunity to meet so many families and people from the electorate and to catch up with friends throughout our community.
The holiday period is a time to spend quality time with family and friends and to enjoy our summer (when it arrives) and be refreshed for the year ahead.
On behalf of Rebecca and myself I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, safe and prosperous 2012.