Australian governments exploit fears of terrorism and crime to justify indiscriminate surveillance, effectively treating all citizens as potential criminals. Both major political parties have pushed for a mandatory digital ID system, requiring Australians to “show their papers” to engage in everyday interactions. The recent ban on social media for children under 16 is yet another step toward increased state control.
Mass surveillance laws allow warrantless data access, government intrusion into private networks, and hijacking of online accounts without the owner’s consent or knowledge. These laws are frequently rushed through parliament with minimal oversight, disregarding principles of due process and presumption of innocence.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how governments can invoke emergencies to justify unrestricted surveillance powers. Such measures concentrate excessive authority in the hands of politicians and bureaucrats, with Australia’s weak
legislative safeguards leaving citizens vulnerable to abuse.
Private corporations like Google hold extensive browsing histories, while government metadata collection has expanded from federal government departments to state and local councils. This indiscriminate data gathering assumes guilt without evidence.
The Libertarian Party champions decentralised digital currencies like Bitcoin for their anonymity and autonomy. In contrast, a central bank digital currency (CBDC) centralises financial data, enabling misuse and potential breaches. A CBDC could allow the government to micromanage purchases or impose quotas. The Reserve Bank of Australia has already piloted a CBDC, reflecting a growing disregard for privacy. This disregard for privacy is demonstrated in current laws by powers such as those exercised by the ATO to access data and information.
The Libertarian Party will:
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Abolish digital identity laws.
Ensure Australians have the freedom to buy, sell, and contract with each other, as well as move and communicate freely, without the need to show their digital ID or face intrusive government surveillance tracking their every move.
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End social media segregation.
Protect an individual’s right to use social media. Social media platforms will not be required to verify users’ identities. The responsibility for managing children’s social media use should lie with their parents, not the government.
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Abolish the office of the e-Safety Commissioner.
Remove the office of the e-Safety Commissioner because it is not the government’s role to act as a parent or nanny.
Individuals and the parents of children can regulate their behaviour online within the context of existing law. In particular, police already deal with child protection matters.
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Abolish mass surveillance laws.
Ensure your freedoms, so cameras are always pointed inward (at the government), not outward at you. The focus should be on government transparency and accountability, not spying on citizens, especially online.
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Stop the collection of metadata.
Stop metadata collection, and ensure access to such data will only be permitted by a warrant. This ensures that individuals’ privacy is respected and protected from unwarranted government surveillance.
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Preserve the ability to use cash.
Uphold the free use and availability of cash, and reject any CDBC. Financial privacy is essential, and individuals must be free to spend their money as they see fit, without government interference or micromanagement of their
purchases.