Sunday 2 September 2007

Kieren Perkins appointed Parent Ambassador for NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan, today announced Kieren Perkins as the Parent Ambassador for the NetAlert—Protecting Australian Families Online information campaign.

“Kieren will be travelling around Australia with me during National Child Protection Week and has taken a great interest in his role as Parent Ambassador.  We will be talking about how parents, grandparents and carers can best protect their families online.

“This is a great opportunity to discuss the problems faced by parents, grandparents, carers and indeed Governments, when trying to protect our children from potential dangers in the online environment,” Senator Coonan said.

Over the next few weeks, the Australian Government will distribute internet safety information and advice to Australian parents and carers to help manage their family’s internet experience.

Senator Coonan said parents, grandparents and carers can visit www.australia.gov.au/netalert or call the free help line on 1800 880 176 for advice about managing online safety and to access free internet content filters.

“While internet content filters are a valuable tool in preventing a child’s access to illegal, inappropriate or offensive online material, nothing replaces parental responsibility and supervision.

“The Howard Government has a serious commitment to protecting our children online and that is why we have delivered a comprehensive programme using the broadest possible line of attack in the protection of Australian families online.

"NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online is a $189 million initiative combining services and education, regulation and policing to ensure that Australian families can get the best of the internet, whilst minimising potential harm,” Senator Coonan said.

Media Contact: Katherine Meier 0417 441 141