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Government Terrorism: 9//1! ('the film') is an American indie' film advertised as a documentary. It is proposed to be screened at an outdoor cinema, Starlight
Government Terrorism: 9//1! ('the film') is an American "indie' film advertised as a documentary. It is proposed to be screened at an outdoor cinema, Starlight Cinema Sydney, from December 2021 until February 2022, inclusive. It documents conspiracy theories that the US Government was responsible for the attacks on 9/11 as an exercise of domestic terrorism, to justify the war in Iraq. None of the stories shown in the film have been independently verified, and none of the people in the film provide corroborating evidence. On 25 October, 2021, the newly appointed Commonwealth Attorney-General, Moira Rose, exercised her discretion under the Film Act 2018 (Cth) (note this is a fictional Act) granting permission for the film to be shown in Australia at the Starlight Cinema Sydney, as part of the Summer Film Festival. The Attorney-General said that she is an advocate of the freedom of speech, and she admitted that she is a long-time friend of the film's director, Ted Mullens. The decision of the Attorney-General to allow the film is opposed by three individuals: Stevie Budd, Patrick Brewer, and Ronnie Lee. Stevie is the mum of three currently serving Australian Defence Force members. She is concerned that the subject-matter of the film will only stir further controversy and give credence to the conspiracies circulating online. She is worried that the Australian Defence Force will receive public backlash following the screening of the film. This is causing her sleepless nights and she cries whenever she thinks about how this will affect her children. Patrick is the Chairman of a peak not-for-profit advocacy group, Family Pictures Association (FPA'), which seeks to promote moral decency in films, and accurate and responsible reporting in films claiming to be documentaries or based on real events. FPA spreads awareness regarding upcoming films, and often petitions the Australian Classification Board ('ACB') regarding the classification of films in pursuit of the group's stated aims. FPA works with and represents various Australian professional bodies and community groups, as well as media organisations when petitioning the ACB and government about film classification. In April 2021, when discussions about showing the film in Australia first began, Patrick raised his concerns with the previous Attorney-General, Roland Schitt, who wrote to Patrick personally and assured him that FPA would be consulted before a decision was made regarding the film. On 20 October 2021, FPA received a letter from the Attorney-General's Office inviting comment on the film, provided that it was submitted within one (1) business day. Patrick sought an extension of time, but received no further communication. Ronnie Lee runs the Twilight Outdoor Cinema in Sydney, which also operates over the Summer. Ronnie sought permission to also screen the film, but the application was rejected by the Attorney-General. Ronnie was not provided with an explanation as to why her request was denied. Ronnie believes this decision will seriously affect ticket sales for the Twilight Outdoor Cinema, due to the film's notoriety which will unfairly advantage Starlight Cinema Sydney. Advise Stevie, Patrick and Ronnie whether they can seek review of the Attorney- General's decisions, specifying what type of review, and which remedy would provide appropriate relief
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