The Trade Practices Amendment (Small Business Protection) Bill 2007 has effectively gagged the entire notion of public debate, protest, boycotting and the main focus of this subject (COM318): lobbying. With all the readings so far pointing to lobbying as an essential element in a democratic system, this Bill seems almost counter-democratic.
My understanding of the Bill (and please, correct me if I'm wrong) is that if a someone protests or calls a boycott against an organisation (say for unethical trade practices or unethical treatment of animals), the ACCC can then sue these protesters on behalf of the organisation to recover lost profit resulting from the protest. It sounds like Nazis during WWII! 'We don't like what you're saying, so don't say it or we'll sue you!' This is sentiment echoed by Greens leader Bob Brown in an SMH article today.
So, next time you visit a factory full of pigs, who are cramped together like sardines, chained to the ground and have never seen the light of day - think twice before you speak out to others who may be ignorant of this practice. Because, you might just get sued for all your bacon.
The article which inspired this posting can be read at:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/08/22/1187462353847.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
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