Page 1241 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 24 April 1990
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She indicated to me that, despite the amount of publicity on this issue, it was not really until today that she realised what X-rated material was all about and what it included. I suspect that many in this city hold a similar view.
If one such video, or even the sort of hard-core pornography that is advertised readily in magazines in this city, were provided in a public place for public viewing, there would be many who would finally realise what X-rated material really is - that is, hard-core pornography and not non-violent erotica, as the industry likes to dress it up as. It is hard-core pornography, as my colleague Dr Kinloch has already shown to us here tonight. It is an industry that sees fit to send it, on an unsolicited basis, to residents of other States.
However, while I say that, let me also echo a statement by my colleague Mr Collaery about the hypocrisy of other States in their inability or lack of will to enforce the laws relating to the operation of the pornography industry within their States. Let them also put their houses in order before they point the finger at the ACT. However, that does not abrogate us from our responsibility as legislators to take a role in this area.
I listened with interest to other comments made by my colleague Mr Collaery, especially those on Mr Stevenson's alleged involvement with the League of Rights. From the outset let me clearly put to rest any possible suggestion that by voting for this Bill tonight my vote is based on any support for the ideals of the League of Rights. I know which bus I am on, and I know when and where it is going to stop. I have no doubt that my colleague Mr Collaery also knows my views in that area.
As we are all well aware, this debate is being closely observed by many members of our community - not only by the residents of Canberra but also by many around the country who believe that what is decided here will have an impact on Australian society at large. What kind of statement will the ACT be making to Australia tonight?
Because of the nature of this Publications Control (Amendment) Bill and its implication for our social values, it is incumbent on each and every one of us here, as members of the Assembly and as elected representatives of the people of the ACT, to consider carefully our positions. We are here not simply to vote along party lines or justify our own prejudices but to take a stand for what is in the interest of those, especially children, who are less able to protect themselves, and for the non-trendy concepts of care for others before self-gratification, duty, responsibility and standards.
Over the last decade it has been possible to observe the trends in Australian society - increasing marriage breakdown, child abuse and rape, as well as increasing
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