Senator Kate Lundy to make her final stand against mandatory filtering during caucus debates in the next two weeks

The Federal Labor party is set to vote on whether or not mandatory filter plans become legislation within the next two weeks, according to Government Senator, Kate Lundy.

“What I’m trying to achieve is putting up sensible ideas within my own party to change our policy,” she said. “It will be up to a vote on the floor of Caucus as to what that final policy looks like and I’m anticipating legislation will come forward in this sitting fortnight.”

The move puts Senator Lundy up against Communications Minister, Senator Stephen Conroy, and the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, both of whom have publicly backed the filter.

Senator Conroy is known to be a strong advocate and has rejected public protests as well as political opposition from Independent Senator Nick Xenophon and the Australian Greens.

Prime Minister Rudd has also made public declarations of support for the filter and sees the filter as a method of stopping “awful material” from reaching the public.

But despite their heavy hitting support, Senator Lundy is leading a move to add an opt-out option for Internet users.

“I believe my constituents think there is a problem and they want something done, but they’re not comfortable with the mandatory filter as it’s currently proposed,” she said.

A spokesperson for Minister Conroy said the draft legislation on mandatory filtering was set to be released in the next two weeks, but would now be delayed.

“The Government will introduce the legislation after it has been considered by Caucus and Cabinet,” it said.