This morning on the bus going into work, I read a story by Fran Foo in The Australian that reported how Telstra is not participating in the Government's internet filtering trial.

I was disturbed by the Child Wise chief executive Bernadette McMenamin’s claim that “Telstra is not committed to banning child pornography and we should question its values," Ms McMenamin said.

I appreciate using rhetoric to draw greater public awareness to issues, but Ms McMenamin appears to have made her claim without full knowledge of Telstra’s commitment to online safety.

Telstra helped launch SuperClubsPLUS Australia a social network for children six to12 years of age that is safe, fun and educational.

To ensure the site is safe, children can only log on through schools that are participating in the program.

The site was developed to provide children with an opportunity to learn about online safety and etiquette at an early age without the risk of being exposed to cyber-bullying and harassment. Learn more about the program by reading Telstra's media release (www.telstra.com.au).

As well, in July 2008, the Telstra Foundation allocated more than $1.4 million to help Australia's families become cyber smart.

Five community based projects received the funding to educate young people, parents and communities to be 'cyber smart'. Learn more about the groups that are receiving funding (www.telstra.com.au).

While the Clean Feed Filter debate is important and the issues around safety are real and need to be addressed, I propose accurate facts form the basis of debate if we are to find the best solution for Australia.

Telstra is separately evaluating technology that allows the blocking of defined blacklists and will continue to work constructively with all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, in helping provide a safe internet environment for our children.