BAYSIDE: I agree with you, it is sad that some try to make something negative out of such a tribute. Allison was not only a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, but also a member of the Brookfield community. Members of her local community are paying their respects with such a lovely tribute. I can see nothing negative about that at all.
I was led to believe that this is a crime discussion forum i.e. a place to discuss the crime. Noticed some scare monger posts again. Following wise words from INDOGWETRUST and WATSONIAN INSTITUTE some articles were cited in an earlier thread no: 18(?) about defamation and australian social media. I recall GRANNIE sourced these relevant articles for which we are thankful. If you click on the posters names above, you will find some information. IMO we must state on our post that it is 'our opinion' if it is an opinion and not a fact.We cannot make false accusations. However, 'truth' is a defence against defamation. It appears that the legislation around social media is still developing. My limited opinion only. However, the MODERATORS have warned us not to accuse any person of this crime at this stage [see the beginning of the thread].
Hi folks, posting this from Page 10 as have only just got home and the forum is moving so fast it's up to Page 24 - so apologies if I'm repeating what others have said.
I support the above post - obviously I can't prescribe what others do but I'm going to state what i believe is important. I personally feel that it is even more important that we all stick to the rules and be especially careful with posting things from MSM (mainstream media) and police reports. Anything else has to be very clearly and strongly stated that we are speculating, and it is only our opinion, and even then we need to be very careful about what we speculate on, and the wording of it. JMO. My thoughts are that if we wish to say we believe GBC is guilty, it must be be IMO, based on the facts already reported.
I'm not sure if others have helpful ideas on this, perhaps Hawkins or someone else can come and guide us as to how we can still have a vigorous discussion here which is done with caution about not only libel laws but avoiding any accusations of trial by media. I just feel we need to be very disciplined now as we deal with this new situation - things are going to change drastically I believe.
I know how many people are passionate about this case, passionate and sincerely concerned for what happened to Allison, the concerns about abuse of women and DV, and concerned as mothers or parents about the BC children. So aside from completely exiting the forum, how do we do this and not jeopardise the case and ourselves?
I certainly want to see justice and dont' want to see the case prejudiced in any way, however I believe there has to be a way to discuss this, and that the community has a right to discuss and express their outrage. We have had our little community in the Western suburbs filled with sadness because of this crime, and I dont think it's healthy to stay quiet about it, for many reasons. Social media can be as much a medium for good as well as bad, and there is much good here.
So, to all those dear people who I know do care about not only this case but what it represents for society and the community as a whole, I would love to read your thoughts.
(Once again I have no idea where this post is going to fall - so sorry if it is not totally in sync with current discussions in any way)
PS I also think that, now more than ever, is a time for us to stick together and discuss things in harmony. I guess this is just a wish. I end this post with thoughts for the welfare of the 3 little Baden-Clay girls - my heart and prayers are with them tonight and my only comfort is they will be with the Dickie grandparents. RIP Allison - i hope justice is coming soon.
