The Australian Greens are deeply concerned about the Federal Government's announcement that it is proceeding with plans to introduce compulsory internet filtering.

Despite the release of a discussion paper that tacitly acknowledges the huge concern this proposal has raised and the flaws in the existing blacklisting process, the Government is intent on ploughing ahead.

"The pointless nature of this proposal is set out in the report itself, which admits that the filters will be circumvented by people seeking blocked material," Greens Communications Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam said today.

"Testing showed that the filters used for the ACMA blacklist only were more easily circumvented than other more complex filters used to cover a wider range and volume of material.

"The Government has also indicated the open-ended nature of the filter by acknowledging they will be importing blacklists from overseas to supplement the Australian list.

"As many people have said, this is the thin end of the wedge. The policy is simply misguided.

"The 'discussion paper' only asks for input on one aspect of the policy, with the rest apparently locked in. I encourage people to communicate the full range of their concerns to the Government rather than being deterred by what looks like a done deal.

"Unless the Government changes tack, the Greens will be moving significant amendments to this legislation if it is introduced to the Senate," Senator Ludlam concluded.

Media Release: Fernando de Freitas 0417 174 302