Industrial Workers of the World

http://www.resist.com.au/forum/

You can refuse to take part in the upcoming Census. Why?

Many people feel uneasy, frustrated, and even helpless with our involvement in the illegal war in Iraq, our treatment of Asylum Seekers, the recent introduction of the new Anti-Terrorism and Sedition laws, and other post-9/11 related events at home and abroad.

Witnessing death, destruction and human suffering day after day, compels us to seek a change.

Our government hasn't been listening. Instead of attending to our needs - the reason why it was elected - the government continues to act outside of our interests and many people are suffering as a direct result.

By refusing to comply with their request to fill in the Census, we can distance ourselves from their illegal and immoral actions, and send a message at the same time. As Gandhi put it; "Civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the state has become lawless or corrupt. And a citizen who barters with such a state shares in its corruption and lawlessness."

Aware that the usual methods of protest have not worked and that something urgently needs to happen, we see non-violent civil disobedience as a legitimate tool for bringing the government to account and bringing the nation together.

In addition, there is widespread concern that the information to be gained in this year's Census may be utilised as a privacy-intrusive measure to build up information profiles about average Australians like you and me.

Combine this with proposals of a National ID card, and the Howard Government's history of misuse of information (Children Overboard, Iraq invasion justification, AWB scandal etc. etc.) and you have good reason to refuse to hand over your personal information.

Con-Census 2006 enables you and others to take positive non-violent action.

What we are doing: We have drafted a document entitled "Letter of Objection", which you may choose to printout, sign, and attach to your unfilled Census form.

We encourage you to use of our "Letter of Objection" , as a message to the government of your solidarity with other conscientious objectors taking part in this peaceful act of non-cooperation.

Of course, you may add to our letter, write your own letter of objection, or just refuse to fill in the census form - It's up to you.

More info at: http://www.con-census.org/

http://www.resist.com.au/forum/

ps: http://www.seditioncharter.org/