Coffs Free and Open Technology Network

I was poking around the web and found out that the domain name had been used before by a company called Free Net Corporation. It was formed in 1999 and in 2000 it formed an alliance with ANZ. You may rember the days were they tried to give away free internet access through banner advertising.

Here are some links to historical information...

www.asx.com.au

www.zdnet.com.au

web.archive.org

Enjoy and have a laugh.

ACMA - what the... THis lastest bit of legislation that is now enforce is total maddnes. I'm refering to the 'New rules for age-restricted internet and mobile content'. From this point onward all systems that provide content and is hosted in this country and/or any content that is provide from an ofshore location but is owned/provided by an Australian citizen  is subject to this legislation. It seems there is no end to the stupidity...wait, here's more - ACMA releases tender to conduct trial of content filtering products at the internet service provider level.

A couple of weeks ago I posed a similar question to Customs re the SmartGate and Biometrics. They are very easy to contact as the email went into vapor ware, I gave them a call to see where it when - I got to speak to the person who was going to action the request (They had been away). It still took a few weeks all up as they had to vet their response. At first they thought I was from the media??? Does it matter???

The email sums it all up - Customs only uses the information to validate the passport holder...once again they ran it by DFAT and the reply is still suspect. The thing that worries me is the telephone conversation that I had with Customs - they said the only real role DFAT has with boarder security is the making of passports, so why are DFAT so vague in relation to what the Biometrics are used for??? Below is a copy of the email sent and the reply...I have bolded the intresting part(s).

I find the world an interesting place...your raise a concern hoping you are wrong and its confirmed...now I'm scared.

I have to get a new passport and I found a strange question that you have to agree to. It was about biometrics and what the intended use is.

Below is the email I sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and their reply. Read it and be very scared.

Coffs Harbour City Council invites individuals, groups, organisations and firms to register to be
included in a proposed internet-based 'Coffs Harbour Creative Industries Directory'.
The directory will be located on Council's website, and will be accessible to those working in the Creative Industries as well as the general public. Eligible to register are visual, literary and performing artists and the support industries assisting them in these fields. Support industries include hire, supply and maintenance, specializing professionals, industry educators, venues, including galleries and theatres, and much more.

Go to the Online Registration Form to submit your details on www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au
For further information, please contact Malcolm McLeod on 6648 4840.

The Open and Free Technology Community aims to provide stable and effective collaboration services to members of the community in any part of the world, while closely listening to their needs and desires. 

Just thought this site and some of its posts was interesting - http://www.iosn.net/

International Open Source Network an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Asia Pacific Development Information Programme (APDIP) and supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada