Free access is needed to laws

We need free and easy access to the laws and regulations which lay out for us how we must conduct ourselves and our business if we are to remain within the law.

NSW Local Councils first trumpeted the provision of free internet access to ratepayers, because they intended to stop providing access to the law books at Council Chambers.

The Library Act 1939 makes much use of the word "free".

Despite this, a price of two dollars per half hour has been set on access to the internet, which means that free and easy access to our laws, regulations and acts, apart from everything else, is not available.

While I understand there is no constitutional right to such free and easy access, there should be a political obligation to do so.

I am not the only one who believes we are entitled to free and easy access to information.

Letter, 18 Nov 2010 Edward James Umina