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Our values · 1 min read

Freedom of speech

AUSTRALIAN VALUES In the real test, every values question must be correct.

People in Australia should be able to express their ideas freely, so long as it is within the law. In Australia, people are free to meet in public or private places for social or political discussion. People are also free to say and write what they think about any topic and to discuss their ideas with others. Newspapers, television and radio outlets have the same freedom.

Australians are allowed to peacefully protest against the actions of the government, because tolerance of peaceful public protest is an essential part of democracy.

It is never acceptable to promote violence against another person or group of people (such as because of their culture, ethnicity, religion or background) because it is against Australian values and law. It is also illegal to make false allegations or encourage others to break the law. Other people’s freedom of speech and freedom of expression must be respected, as long as such expression is lawful.

Test yourself on this topic

8 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. A friend says that in Australia a person may say absolutely anything at all. How should you correct them?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Ideas may be expressed freely only inside your own home
    • Ideas may be expressed freely only about non-political matters
    • Ideas may be expressed freely only by Australian citizens
    • Ideas may be expressed freely, so long as this is within the law

    Explanation: Freedom of speech in Australia is wide, but it stops where the law stops it.

  2. 2. A group wants to hire a hall so that its members can debate a political question. Is this allowed?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Yes, people may meet in public or private to discuss politics
    • Only if a member of parliament agrees to attend the meeting
    • No, political meetings need permission from the government
    • Only if the group avoids discussing any political topics at all

    Explanation: People may gather in public or private places to talk about social or political matters.

  3. 3. A neighbour keeps expressing lawful political views that you think are wrong. What is expected of you?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Demand that they stop discussing politics near your home
    • Report their opinions to the police so they are recorded
    • Respect their freedom of speech, as their expression is lawful
    • Insist that they change their views to match your own

    Explanation: Free speech belongs to everyone. You must respect lawful opinions even when you strongly disagree with them.

  4. 4. A radio station broadcasts strong opinions about the government's performance. What freedom applies to the media?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Media outlets have the same freedom of speech as individuals
    • Media outlets may only discuss topics that are not political
    • Media outlets must have government approval before broadcasting
    • Media outlets may report facts but must not give opinions

    Explanation: The media share the same freedom of speech that individuals have, so they may report and comment freely.

  5. 5. Someone online urges people to attack members of a particular religion. What do Australian values and law say?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • It is acceptable if the post is deleted after a few days
    • It is never acceptable to promote violence against a group
    • It is acceptable when it is written in a private group
    • It is acceptable, because free speech covers every opinion

    Explanation: Freedom of speech never covers calls for violence against people because of who they are.

  6. 6. Which TWO of these are illegal in Australia, even though people have freedom of speech?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Writing an article that criticises a minister
    • Encouraging other people to break the law
    • Making false allegations about another person
    • Joining a peaceful protest about a new policy

    Explanation: Speech that spreads false accusations or pushes others into breaking the law is against the law itself.

  7. 7. You disagree with a new government policy and want to join a peaceful march about it. What do Australian values say?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • You may protest peacefully, as this is essential to democracy
    • You may protest only if a political party organises the march
    • You may protest only about decisions of your local council
    • Protesting against the government is not permitted in Australia

    Explanation: Peaceful protest against government decisions is allowed and is treated as part of a healthy democracy.

  8. 8. You want to publish an article criticising a decision made by a government minister. Are you free to do so?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Only if a government office approves the wording first
    • Yes, people are free to write what they think on any topic
    • No, criticism of ministers is not permitted in Australia
    • Only if you have been an Australian citizen for a year

    Explanation: People in Australia may write and speak about any subject, including criticism of those in power.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet