Bureaucrats vs. Parents

I have used Estimates several times to draw attention to the filth being distributed in libraries, material that targets children and is available to them regardless of age. This includes graphic sex-instruction manuals that most adults would find excessive. We urgently need an intermediate classification for graphic written publications. We have raised this issue for many years; and while the Classification Board seems to agree, there has been no action for almost two years. During this estimates session, I questioned the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) on the bureaucrats currently running our classification system. We have three different bodies: ACMA, the Classification Board, and the Classification Review Board, all pointing fingers at each other while inappropriate material continues to be freely available to children. ACMA admitted in their "Stage 2 reforms" submission that we need to rationalise this mess into one single national regulator. It’s common sense: one body, one set of standards, and actual accountability. I also asked how these obscene publications could possibly meet "community standards." The answer? They haven't done any "community standards" research in years. How can they claim to represent the public if they aren't even talking to them? The government says they are "awaiting reports," yet our children can't wait. We need a system that reflects your standards, not the standards of Canberra bureaucrats. — Senate Estimates | December 2025 Transcript: https://www.malcolmrobertsqld.com.au/bureaucrats-vs-parents/