Victorian government fails to stop sacked teacher's legal challenge

This article highlights the dismissal of a Victorian school teacher. The teacher was sacked on various grounds but additional charges were brought against her when she spoke out publicly against the allegations in breach of provisions in her contract. Effectively teachers are gagged from commenting publicly about matters of departmental policy.

I'm a fan of Penelope Trunk

Penelope Trunk blogs at Brazen Careerist in a style that is open, vulnerable, and totally disarming. Reading the travails of her life and career is like watching a super-addictive soap opera. I'm always amazed at the honesty and candor she includes in her posts.

Even when Penelope is labelling someone she knows as a jerk, or telling the world about her marital problems, she's still likable and highly engaging. In contrast, my style of blogging is very controlled and guarded.

Good on you Penelope for being so honest.

Free Speech and the Constitution

Free Speech and the Constitution: "The Australian Constitution does not have any express provision relating to freedom of speech. In theory, therefore, the Commonwealth Parliament may restrict or censor speech through censorship legislation or other laws, as long as they are otherwise within constitutional power."

This is a handy article. It points out that, whilst we are signatories to the UN Declaration of Human Rights, we have no act of parliament that makes this declaration enforceable. Interesting!

Various proponents have suggested a Bill of Rights, however this is problematic. Governements have taken the easier option to introduce various legislation that addresses the issue of free speech, particularly in relation to election advertising and the press. It is considered that Australia has 'implied' free speech.

Australia is the only "like-minded" country not to have a Bill of Rights. Again, interesting.

A test case for free speech: Australian academic dismissed for opposing falling university standards

A test case for free speech: Australian academic dismissed for opposing falling university standards

This article raises questions about the censorship of free speech as a result of the dismissal of a tenured university lecturer as a result of him speaking to the media about falling academic standards.

Whilst this may not relate directly to blogs, it has exactly the same affect - to control free speech in an attempt to exert control.

The case is being appealed and may take 12 months to resolve.

Promise and problems of e-democracy

Not the most exciting read but a handy resource for how e-democracy could play out. Makes the point that ICT is just part of the solution and considers the need to incorporate with off-line efforts.

35176328.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Principles for ICT-enabled citizen engagement

Exciting stuff here from the Federal government setting out the principles for a new breed of democracy.

It's all very 'government' speak, but it makes sense. Respect, openness and fairness are key components of the eight steps proposed.

Principles.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Dave the apprentice blogger

Over at Residential Settlements my mate Dave Doven is learning how to blog and I'm doing my bit to help. He's getting his head around posting, hyperlinks, and creating a voice of his own. It's an exciting and at times daunting journey.

Pop on over and tell Dave how you think he's doing.