Moondoong, in my travels through some 42 different countries including China, Chile and Egypt; the only times I've ever been asked for official ID is when booking into a hotel, renting a car, booking a VFT in Europe or boarding an international plane flight.
IMO and to the best of my knowledge this inspection regime is without precedent in our history and marks a serious invasion of our privacy by the state.
IMO when considered in the context of other actions already put in place by Tony Abbott's government such as those below it is deeply disturbing and an affront to those values which define us as Australians:
. The vitriolic attacks on The ABC and SBS - in themselves, without precedent.
. The attacks against Fairfax papers for articles embarrassing to Tony Abbott's government.
. Australia's return to war in the Middle East and the associated anti-Islamic rhetoric which has had to be toned down.
. The massive planned build up in military hardware and promotion of all things military.
. The gifting of personal metadata access to spy organisations.
. Military intervention into Aboriginal communities.
. The raiding of CFMEU headquarters.
. The forced return of asylum seekers to their tormentors.
. The censorship regime deployed to detention centres.
. Even political interference in public school curricula [national curriculum changes ....]
It's said that you don't really have any rights unless you stand up for them. Well the demonstration in Melbourne today against oppressive regimes such as 'Operation Fortitude' by Abbott's Australian Border Force showed Tony Abbott that mainstream Australians are alert to how he is invading our privacy and imposing on our freedom. http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/t...a-street-corner-near-you-20150828-gja07p.html
