Media Release: 25 August, 2009: Privacy Commissioner backs Democrats’ concerns over e-health ID’s

DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release: 25 August, 2009:

Privacy Commissioner backs Democrats’ concerns over e-health ID’s

“The Federal government must address privacy concerns over it’s national healthcare identity scheme,” says ACT Democrats president and privacy campaigner, Darren Churchill.

Reports in “The Australian”, 25 August 2009 have noted calls from Federal Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis that current laws are inadequate and that specific new legislation is needed to ‘ensure consistency of protections and penalties nationwide.’

“This is exactly the sort of concerns I raised on 1st July, when I called for the government to release the details of it’s Privacy Impact Assessments,” declared a concerned Mr Churchill. “What are they trying to hide?”

“I have had phonecalls and people are concerned about their privacy. But where is the consultation and public discussion about the national healthcare identity scheme? Beyond the industry lobby groups and stakeholders there has been nothing. No consultation with ordinary Australians.” continued Mr Churchill.

“I have publicly raised privacy concerns in July and in a submission in mid-August. So have civil liberties groups. Now the Privacy Commissioner has said she has concerns too. It’s about time the government took notice!”

“Whilst, there is potentially some good to be achieved in facilitating access to medical records to improve patient care. There needs to be a guarantee that it won’t become mandatory to present private personal details in order to access health care services or Medicare benefits.”

“And we need to be clear that there are consistent, uniform and appropriate laws as to who can see the records and when. Those laws should also protect against function creep and guarantee that this is not a backdoor method of introducing a national ID card.” Mr Churchill concluded

CONTACT:

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Media Release: 19th August, 2009: Policy Resolutions from the ACT Democrats Annual Conference 2009

DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release: 19th August, 2009:

Policy Resolutions from the ACT Democrats Annual Conference 2009

“As part of the Australian Democrats national Rebuilding Strategy, the ACT Democrats 2009 Annual Conference was used as a “Setting Directions” forum,” said newly re-elected ACT Democrats President, Darren Churchill.

“We reviewed many party principles and policy directions and members moved and passed the following motions, among others, as a renewal of policy position,” Mr Churchill announced.

The following selection indicates the breadth and depth of the issues covered;

Health

The ACT Democrats believe the ACT government has a responsibility to ensure the availability of suburban GP practices and should provide assistance for small, local suburban clinics.

Education

The ACT Democrats support the concept of local access to primary schools and in particular supports the reopening of the Hall and Tharwa primary schools.

Environment

The ACT Democrats support the ACT Government proposal for solar electric generation facilities in the ACT. It is imperative that we take a strategic approach to significantly and sustainably reducing the ACT’s carbon footprint.

Planning

The ACT Democrats believe that the new Molonglo residential area must have health, education and public transport facilities equitably developed as the town grows, not years afterwards as happened in Tuggeranong and Gungahlin.

Electoral reform

The ACT Democrats support proportional representation, accountability and diversity in politics. We propose having 5 ACT electorates of 5 members each. We want to reduce the required membership for party registration from 100 to 50. We support the introduction of legislation to prevent the use of public money on government political advertising. We support the introduction of voluntary voting for those aged 16 and 17 years old.

Population policy

The ACT Democrats believe the ACT region does not have the resources, such as water, to grow indefinitely. We propose setting up a consultative body to collect scientific and community views so that future governments can plan to stay within our sustainable environmental limits.

Anti-Gangs legislation

The ACT Democrats oppose the introduction of anti-bikie laws. Instead we support the use of existing laws to fight organised crime, a greater community police presence and the establishment of an Independent Commission Against Corruption & Crime.

Internet filtering

The ACT Democrats oppose any moves to introduce mandatory Internet Censorship. We advocate voluntary parental or school filter and greater community education.

Supporting the community sector

The ACT Democrats believe that a vibrant, well-resourced community service sector is an essential part of supporting the most vulnerable people in our community, and that the government should actively increase funding and capability to ensure that the sector is not only viable, but increasingly effective and integrated.

“These policy positions reaffirm the principles of accountability, sensible economic management, social justice and environmental sustainability we took into last years ACT Election. The very same principles which continue to guide the ACT Democrats” Mr Churchill continued.

As the Australian Democrats continue to rebuild both nationally and in the ACT, the ACT Democrats have again shown we are prepared to continue to strive for political freedom, social justice and democracy, Mr Churchill concluded.

CONTACT:

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Media Release: 31 July, 2009: Equal Rights for Gay Couples say Democrats

DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release: 31 July, 2009:

Equal Rights for Gay Couples say Democrats

“It’s time to end the discrimination against gay couples” says ACT Democrats president, Darren Churchill

This Saturday will see a series of national rallies and marches in the National Day of Action for Same-Sex Marriage.

“The Democrats believe people in same sex relationships should not be discriminated against because of their sexual preference.”

The Democrats introduced a Private Member’s Bill, the “Same Sex Marriages Bill 2006″  into Federal Parliament in June 2006.  The Bill aimed to reverse the changes that were made in the Marriage Amendment Act 2004, which redefined marriage as a union entered into by one man and one woman only. This effectively stopped the ability of the courts to recognise marriages between two people of the same sex, particularly in cases where a legalised marriage had taken place in another country. The bill called for the use of gender neutral language in the Marriage Act, and include a “to avoid doubt” clause, stating that nothing in the Act should be interpreted as preventing same sex marriages.

Legalising same sex unions at a Federal level and removing this form of discrimination against people in same sex relationships will give them the same status and recognition as people in heterosexual marriages or defacto relationships. “It’s time we took that step.” said Mr Churchill

“The Democrats plan to continue to fight this discrimination. Recognition of same sex unions at a federal level will be an important first step in eradicating intolerance towards people in same sex partnerships.”

“I call on the federal government to commit to redressing the laws which discriminate against same-sex couples, and to recognise that all Australians are equal.”

“It doesn’t matter whether a person is gay, straight or whatever. We are all human beings. And in sharing a common humanity, in the name of love, all people have a right to be treated with dignity, respect and equality under the law.”

“Other countries have already taken this important step. It’s time for us to do the same. Let’s move out of this moral shadow-land.” Mr Churchill concluded.

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Media Release: 30th July, 2009: Democrats say the young can make a difference by enrolling to vote

DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release: 30th July, 2009:

Democrats say the young can make a difference by enrolling to vote

ACT Democrats president, Darren Churchill has urged eligible 17 and 18 year old people to respond to the Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC) “National Enrol to Vote Week 2009” and take the opportunity to register to vote and put their name on the Electoral Roll.

“It’s great that in Australia we can choose our representatives. We can also vote out those we do not believe represent our interests. This is a right we often take for granted in Australia. In some other countries people fight and die for this right.” Mr Churchill said.

”If young people want politicians to take an interest in the issues that matter, it is necessary to make them accountable at the ballot box.”

“It’s wonderful that the AEC is taking this initiative to get young people interested in the democratic process by going out to the schools. Enrol to Vote week is a great way of raising awareness amongst young people.”

“The Democrats would like to see them go the next step in encouraging voter education. We’d like to see the introduction of voluntary voting for 16 to 18 year olds, so the democratic culture is strengthened and learned from an earlier age.”

Governments make decisions that affect young people. So it’s only right that young people are given the option of having a say in who makes those decisions. “ Mr Churchill concluded.

CONTACT:

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Media Release 1 July 2009: Democrats raise privacy concerns over national e-health ID

DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Media Release 1 July 2009:

Democrats raise privacy concerns over national e-health ID

The Australian Democrats have raised privacy concerns over the Unique Healthcare Identifier (UHI) programme being developed by the National E-Health Transition Authority. ACT Australian Democrats president and privacy campaigner, Darren Churchill has called on the federal government to release details of the Privacy Impact Assessments on the scheme.

The Democrats claim the UHI sounds reminiscent of the previous governments attempts to replace the Medicare Card with an Access Card (a defacto national ID card) and want to know details of the privacy issues involved.

“We’re already getting conflicting reports between the Human Services Minister and the health Minister over whether or not the Medicare Card will turn into a smart card or not. And the Privacy Impact Assessments remain a secret. This raises a number of concerns!” declared Mr Churchill

“The concerns the Australian Democrats have are:

· What guarantees are there that the individual has control over who sees their information?

· What guarantees are there that only the medical information a person authorises will be stored?

· What protections are there that only medical information will ever be stored?

· What rights to challenge personal information held in medical databases (accuracy and whether the person wants that information held at all) are put in place?

· How open, accountable transparent and available is a person’s right to know the information held about them?

· And is there a limit on how long information can be held?”

“It’s important that there is means for facilitating access to medical records and there needs to be a guarantee that it won’t become mandatory to present all medical details in order to access health care services or Medicare benefits.” Mr Churchill said.

“Even the best intended privacy legislation will not prevent future governments from increasing the coverage and uses of the card (function creep). It has the potential to become a defacto ID card and could enable peoples’ every movement to be tracked.” Mr Churchill said.

“People also need the right to see their own records, to have access to them and correct them. But we need to be cautious that we don’t allow a situation where anyone with a smart-card scanner can access personal records. So, storing information in a chip on a card is one thing. But a centralised database (or even local and regional systems) is quite another – and with considerable risks, including the possibility of identity theft” Mr Churchill cautioned.

“What is the government trying to hide? The details of the first two Privacy Impact Assessments reports should be made available for public comment. As should the third report which has already been commissioned.” Mr Churchill concluded.

CONTACT:

Darren Churchill

ACT Democrats President

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

Tel: 0412 196 473

Big Australian Democrats Get Together – Canberra and surrounds

Big Australian Democrats Get Together – Canberra and surrounds

Just some fun and an excuse to get together with other Australian Democrats in our area, as well as those interested in the party, just to get to know each other and celebrate the start of the rebuilding process.

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2009

Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Location: Pot Belly Bar

Street: Weedon Close

City/Town: Belconnen, Australia

RSVP: Good, but not essential. Contact Darren for more information -

0412196473 or darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114621126001

ACT DEMOCRATS

MEDIA RELEASE: 24 June 2009: Big Australian Democrats Canberra Get Together

DARREN CHURCHILL

ACT Democrats President

Big Australian Democrats “Canberra and Surrounds” Get Together to be held on Saturday June 27

The ACT Democrats will be hosting a “Canberra and Surrounds” get together event as part of the Australian Democrats rebuilding efforts.

On Saturday June 27 the ACT Democrats will be having drinks and a pub lunch at the Pot Belly Bar in Belconnen.

“It’s just an opportunity to have some fun and an excuse to get together with other Australian Democrats in our area, as well as those interested in the party, just to get to know each other and socialise.” said ACT Australian Democrats president, Darren Churchill.

“Being one year since the last Australian Democrats left the Senate, our gathering is the Canberra and district part of a weekend when Australian Democrats will be gathering all over the country to have some fun and celebrate the start of the rebuilding process.”

“This weekend there will be an Australian Democrats event in every capital city and in many other locations, as new members, old members and returning members get together with friends and supporters all over Australia.” said Mr Churchill.

Membership of the Australian Democrats has grown since the national rebuilding process began in February. New members have joined, old members returned and various organisations and donors expressed interest in the centre-line party’s revival.

”We made some mistakes in the past, nationally, and the electorate rightly punished us for it” said Mr Churchill, who last year led the team in the ACT Election (as candidate for Ginninderra) under very difficult circumstances for the Party. “What I did find though, is that it is clear there is still a lot of love for the Australian Democrats in the community.”

“There is still room for a party of the progressive centre in Australian politics. A home for those who are not conservatives, not socialists, not greens. But people who are “social liberals,” or progressives and who want to work for a better Australia, following the Australian Democrats principles of honesty, tolerance and compassion.”

The party is encouraging Canberra and district people who are interested in or curious about the Australian Democrats to go along to the event in Belconnen to meet some Australian Democrats members and find out what it is all about.

”The events that are being held as part of the Big Australian Democrats Get-Together aren’t serious meetings, they are just a bit of fun and a good excuse for party members and supporters to catch up. It just an informal get together in a pub and a good opportunity for those interested to ask questions and meet other party members.”

”On Saturday, we get together to have fun. From there we move forward to and change the nation.” Mr Churchill concluded.

The event is: Big Australian Democrats Get Together – Canberra and surrounds: Drinks and Pub Lunch

• The type of event: Drinks and pub lunch

• The location: Pot Belly Bar, Weedon Close, Belconnen

• Time and Date: Saturday 27th June, 12-2pm

• Host’s name: Darren Churchill, darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

• RSVP: Good but not essential. Anyone can show up

• Other details: Just some fun and an excuse to get together with other Australian Democrats in our area, as well as those interested in the party, just to get to know each other and celebrate the start of the rebuilding process.

CONTACT:

Darren Churchill

President

Australian Democrats (ACT Division)

darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au

0412 196 473

Media Release: 23 April 2009: “Where’s the Vision in 2020 Top 9?” ask Democrats

DARREN CHURCHILL
ACT Democrats President

“Where’s the Vision in 2020 Top 9?” ask Democrats

“The Prime Minister’s 2020 shortlist is a bit like an ad on the TV” says ACT Australian Democrats president, Darren Churchill. “A few catchy ideas that make us all think ‘isn’t that clever’ but no real investment in the things that matter.

The Federal Government today announced the nine key ideas to be focused on from last year’s 2020 summit are: a bionic eye, a children’s TV channel, a civilian army for regional emergencies, golden gurus to mentor younger workers, Asian/Australian scholarships for cultural understanding, business and schools partnerships, a green skills “carbon challenge” a vocational education broadband network and children & family centres to help indigenous people.

“There’s some good things amongst that. We welcome any initiatives for carbon awareness, cultural understanding, emergency relief and indigenous people.” Mr Churchill said. ” But we have to be careful that we don’t allow this process to detract from the major goals of Greenhouse Gas reduction, economic recovery and building a really visionary future for our children”

“A children’s TV channel is a great idea.. But ABC for Kids already exists doesn’t it? So what’s new?

“What about some serious effort for greenhouse reduction in addition to “green skilling?” questioned Mr Churchill.

“I agree, younger workers need support and advice from those with experience. But what about raising the whole minimum standards in vocational education and training in the first place?”

“Surely, water has to be a priority? Water security, conservation and sustainability surely must be of higher priority than some of the Top 9? Has the government seriously considered rainwater tanks? What about the acquisition of water entitlements in over-allocated systems? We need a comprehensive national water strategy. Surely this has to be a priority?” insisted Mr Churchill

“Indigenous health is still appallingly below that of non-indigenous. How about something to help there? Surely that is a national priority?”

“Perhaps the civilian army for regional emergencies should be managed by assisting the existing aid agencies. Give them support to use volunteers in the same way that we have volunteer bush fire fighters. Provide compensation for employers, volunteer costs, and any injuries or losses.”

“At a time when the government is tinkering with economic stimulus, these areas could be a priority. Not to mention other nation building exercises such as upgrading rail networks and national highways. How about some improvements to public transport to make the systems far preferable to the private vehicle?”

“There’s some nice ideas there Mr Rudd. But show us the real substance and some 2020 vision!” concluded Mr Churchill

Darren Churchill
ACT Democrats President
darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au
Tel: 0412 196 473

Media Release: 22 April 2009: One Child Policy too draconian say Democrats

DARREN CHURCHILL
ACT Democrats President

One Child Policy too draconian say Democrats

ACT Australian Democrats president, Darren Churchill has described comments made by radical Green group Sustainable Population Australia as going too far.

Earlier today the president of Sustainable Population Australia, former South Australian Democrat MLC Sandra Kanck expressed the opinion of her lobby group that Australia should consider having a one-child policy to avoid “environmental suicide.”

“This is not Australian Democrats policy!” Mr Churchill declared. “We do not advocate anything that would restrict people’s freedom of choice on family matters.”

“The Australian Democrats have always advocated individual choice and we do not back away from that now. Australians are capable of intelligently determining strategies to deal with the pressures facing our environment.

“Australia does need a population policy. The pressure on our water and other natural resources is incredible. But the approach should be about education not legislation.”

“The approach of the Democrats is to support and encourage new and creative ways of dealing with the economic, social and environmental problems facing Australia.” Mr Churchill said.

“Sustainable Population Australia has every right to make comment and get discussion going. We need to look at all angles to address these problems, especially with the water crisis and climate change. Some of them will not be acceptable

“Engaging different views and giving people a say is democracy. Our decision to disagree with those we regard as wrong is democracy too.”

“The Australian Democrats strongly believe in working together to find practical solutions to all our problems without infringing the right of Australians to individual freedom of choice. Stabilisation and sustainable population can be achieved without legislating family size. Mr Churchill concluded.

Darren Churchill
ACT Democrats President
darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au
Tel: 0412 196 473

Midnight Oil. Democracy and the Power to Make a Difference

Last night (Friday 13th) I went to the 2nd Midnight Oil “Up Close in the Capital” concert. I was instantly carried back 20 years or so in time, to an Australia when music and politics were not incompatible, Peter Garrett was a rock star, and the Australian Democrats held the balance of power in the Senate.
As Midnight Oil and their charismatic, energetic frontman belted out such classics as: Armistice Day, Power and the Passion, Progress, Don’t Wanna Be the One, Truganini, Read About It, Blue Sky Mine, Forgotten Years, The Dead Heart, Beds Are Burning and Dreamworld, I wondered if Peter Garrett actually still believes the stuff he sings about. But then….wait for it….the encore actually also included US Forces!!! Garrett said something about it might not please some of those in my party, but lets just play it. I must admit I was impressed.
So, what’s changed in the 20 or so years since Peter Garrett and Midnight Oil regularly graced the RSL and Workers’ Clubs of Australia. Well, we’ve all become bit more conservative. I remember “relaxed and comfortable” was the term somebody once used (although the Global Financial Crisis might change all that). Openly protesting or speaking an opinion isn’t quite the norm it was in the 80s. Music has become somewhat bland (for my part anyway), it certainly doesn’t have that political edge. One time NDP candidate and ACF president (and rock star), Peter Garrett is now a Labor government minister. The Australian Democrats, for the time being, no longer occupy the crossbenches of the Senate. And people look to sensible Independent Nick Xenophon (and maybe one or two possible Liberal or National mavericks) to get common sense and fairness into legislation.

So what hope is there for Peter to achieve the things he so passionately sang about in the glory days of Midnight Oil (and once again last night)?

When parliamentarians are elected, they take an oath/affirmation of office to serve their country to the best of their ability. This means, as I understand it, to speak the truth and to vote according to the truth – as determined by conscience. However, representing the Australian people in such a way rarely (if ever) occurs and parliamentarians vote according to the dictates of their party. They toe the party line. It makes no difference if they are in government or opposition. One party proposes one line and the other party mindlessly and deliberately opposes it.

That the right to vote according to conscience is deliberately taken away by the party machine, effectively stopping parliamentarians from representing their constituents is surely a denial of democracy and an abrogation of their oath/affirmation of office. If Peter Garrett truly believes the things he sang about last night, he must truly find this a compromising situation.

Australia cannot claim to be a true democracy until each and every Member of Parliament can exercise a conscience vote on every issue. This is why the conscience vote is so important to the Australian Democrats. Elected Australian Democrats are not entitled to or privileged to vote with their conscience – they are obligated to do so.

Whilst, Australian Democrats would be drawn to similar principles and therefore often vote in a similar way, the obligation to vote according to conscience remains paramount. Of course, with voters expecting party bloc voting to be “par for the course” and a media which criticises or labels as “rebels’ parliamentarians who vote against the party line – the big parties get away with their discipline and the authority of the party Whip.

Labor and the Coalition, are realistically at the moment the only parties with a chance of forming governments – at least for the foreseeable future. But a significant amount of power can still be exercised from a Senate crossbench.

Peter may achieve great things in the Labor Party. Then again (with Labor almost as conservative as the Coalition) he may not. As Environment Minister he has been somewhat silent on the things he once seemed outspoken about. Damned party machine!

But there is always the Senate. And there is always the crossbench….

In the meantime, Midnight Oil and the values they once espoused have given me a great night’s entertainment. And a wonderful nostalgia trip.

Darren Churchill