Joint Media Release with The Hon Gary Nairn MP Member for Eden-Monaro
Special Minister of State

Government shopfronts to help distribute internet safety information

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan and the Special Minister of State and Member for Eden-Monaro, the Hon Gary Nairn MP, today welcomed a partnership with the Family Assistance Office network to help Australian families make their children’s internet experience safer.

“Part of the Australian Government’s $189 million NetAlert—Protecting Australian Families Online programme is to inform parents and carers of children practical ways in which to protect their families, whether from online scams, cyber bullying or online stalking,” said Senator Coonan.

“Medicare, Centrelink and the Australian Taxation Office, through the Family Assistance Office shopfronts, along with the Child Support Agency shopfronts, will distribute information to parents, carers and grandparents,” said Minister Nairn.

This information will help parents understand how they can protect their children online through a combination of s upervision, education and filtering tools. It will also give details of where parents can go to get further advice. Along with these internet safety strategies, families can choose a free internet content filter which best suits their family’s values and needs.

“The Family Assistance Office provides Australian families better access to government services and we are now extending its service to promote internet safety and the tools available to keep children safe online,” said Minister Nairn.

“While internet content filters are a valuable tool in preventing a child’s access to illegal, inappropriate or offensive online material and activities that parents believe are harmful, they cannot replace the role of parents and carers in protecting children online,” Senator Coonan said.

Senator Coonan said NetAlert—Protecting Australian Families Online is about much more than filters and enabling parents to stem the flow of undesirable material into the home.

“This initiative combines services and education, regulation and policing to ensure that Australian families can get the best of the internet, while minimising potential harm.”

For practical internet safety information or to download a free internet content filter visit www.australia.gov.au/netalert or call the help line on 1800 880 176.

Media inquiries:
Senator Coonan - Frank Peppard 0417 061 969
Minister Nairn - Megan Magill 0417836 952