Well, it's that time of the year where the Australian government decides that its citizens are far too free and imposes some restrictions.

First up we have internet censorship; yes that's right, we are the first country to join China in censoring what we look at. Now, being a devout Christian, I couldn't care less if this was just dirty images that were censored, but the government is also censoring anything it deems to be 'illegal' over here. This will likely include any websites to do with firearms that are illegal over here (so I might not be on here at all after Christmas). Furthermore, it has been revealed that another, lesser known filter will remove certain things the government decides we shouldn't see (but apparently might not be illegal). This could include any remarks made about revolting against the government.
Originally we were told that we could 'opt out' of the 'service', but it has now been revealed that we cannot. Here is one story on the issue: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24568137-2862,00.html

Next up, we have an import ban on any firearm that "looks like a military-style gun". While many may think "well, this has been implimented in many countries", this is actually talking about any PUMP or BOLT action (not semi-auto) firearm that RESEMBLES a military-style semi-automatic firearm. You see, semi-automatic weapons are already illegal because a man shot up a town in Tasmania over 10 years ago. However, some kid accidentally killed his friend with his dad's gun, so with less things to ban, the government has decided to ban guns that look 'military' in appearance. This seems to mean any rifle or shotgun with a pistol grip, as these are the closest to 'miltary-style' that we have. However, it may not be limited to just pistol grips, as the government is the term 'military-style' is very vague.
Furthermore any handgun resembling a handgun that would be used in the military that could fire in semi-automatic is now banned from import as well (we already have a ban on calibres above .38). From what I can tell, this will mean that we will only be allowed to have single shot pistols that don't look like military ones, revolvers and air pistols.
One story can be found here: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24821135-5001021,00.html

Well, the bets are on for what the next thing is that will be banned. I have a strong feeling that it will be our freedom of speech (I'm dead serious). Our constitution gives us no right to freedom of speech; only politicians in parliament, university lecturers in a lecture and any satire/parody are allowed to have freedom of speech. It's only a matter of time before the government starts policing our speech more heavily. Links for this are:
http://libertus.net/censor/fspeechlaw.html
http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rn/2001-02/02rn42.htm

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm seriously considering jumping ship (because this one's sinking fast!) to the US or some other free country (if there is one). I think I'll stay here to complete a degree in Mechanical Engineering (I was accepted yesterday into it) as university is much cheaper over here. But I'm not sure if I should risk staying even that long. I don't want to be caught here like some people are in China. After I've finished my degree I think that I'll move. Any work over there for a mechanical engineer?
I also don't know if I'm old enough to actually own my own place in the US yet - I'm only 18 which is the legal drinking, smoking, 'owning your own house' age over here. However, I know that you have to be over 21 to drink in America (inconsequential to me as I don't drink), but I think this might mean that 21 is the age you must be before you can own/rent your own place.
Maybe I'm crazy and over-reacting, but this is just becoming too much for me. So, any advice for a paranoid, government-fearing Australian is greatly appreciated.

Several things come to mind.......


1. I will need a young mechanical engineer in about 4 years, and would be happy to provide you a work visa provided you are proficient in Solid Works......


2. All of us Americans will need help defending our freedoms sooner rather than later, so study hard, we have a spot for your here.


3. No reason to fear your Government, Jesus said something about not fearing men, as they can only harm the body....Fear your Father in heaven as he has power over body and soul......


4. I don't drink either......I have yet to see alchohol actually 'IMPROVE' anyone's life in 50 years......

Wow, thank you very much for the generous offer! That would be a dream job - I've always wanted to be able to work with firearms, but have little opportunities over here. I've fiddled with some CAD software before (nothing serious) and I'm fairly sure I could become proficient with Solid Works. Are there any other areas I should look into or focus on? I was thinking that something like fluid mechanics would be useful for flash hiders and sound suppressors (although I could be wrong) and was considering looking into that.

I would love to be able to help in whatever way I can to protect our freedoms (I never really had a chance to over here). I've never been very patriotic about Australia, but I've always thought America seemed like my ideal country (although I never had enough reason to leave here until now). While leaving here would be hard, I think that the benefits will easily outweigh any negatives.

I'm not going into total panic mode about the government yet; I think it's more of a cautious attitude. It does worry me a little that I might be stuck here, but if I get stuck here then it's because it's God's will, which I can accept.

I agree with you about alcohol as well - I've seen so many people destroyed and humiliated by it, and have yet to see one person positively affected.

Thanks for the quick and positive response; now I just need to study hard and stick it out.