Protecting and Strengthening Free Speech in Australia
Objective
To enshrine the principle of free speech into Australian law, ensuring that every citizen has the right to express their opinions and ideas without fear of censorship or suppression, while balancing this with the need to protect against harm, defamation, and incitement to violence.
Key Principles:
Freedom of Expression
Protect the right to express opinions, share information, and engage in public discourse, regardless of medium—social media, public spaces, or other platforms.
Transparency and Accountability
Social media and other communication platforms must operate fairly, without arbitrary censorship, and with clear mechanisms for challenging decisions.
Protection Against Suppression
Safeguard against both government overreach and private platform abuses that might unjustly suppress lawful speech.
Key Provisions:
Enshrining Free Speech into LawIntroduce a Freedom of Speech Act, guaranteeing the right to free expression in alignment with international human rights standards.Define clear limits to free speech, including prohibitions on hate speech, defamation, incitement to violence, and other illegal activities, ensuring protections for public safety and community harmony.Amend the Constitution to explicitly protect free speech while respecting the existing legal framework on defamation and harm prevention.
Transparent Content Moderation by PlatformsMandate that social media and communication platforms:Publish their content moderation policies and algorithms in clear, accessible language.Provide a transparent appeals process for users whose content is removed or flagged.Refrain from arbitrary censorship of lawful speech, ensuring decisions are based on clear and consistent rules.
Independent Social Media Oversight BodyEstablish a Free Speech and Digital Oversight Commission to:Monitor social media and digital communication platforms for compliance with free speech protections.Serve as an independent appeals body for users contesting censorship decisions.Recommend penalties for platforms that unjustly suppress lawful content or fail to provide transparency.
Digital Bill of RightsDevelop a Digital Bill of Rights to:Guarantee free speech protections extend to digital platforms.Ensure user privacy and data protection are upheld alongside free expression.Protect whistleblowers and individuals exposing corruption or injustice online.
Protection from Government OverreachLimit government authority to restrict speech, ensuring any restrictions are:Necessary, proportionate, and clearly defined in law.Subject to independent judicial review to prevent misuse or overreach.
Promoting Digital Literacy and Public DiscourseLaunch a National Digital Literacy Program to:Educate Australians about their rights to free speech and how to responsibly exercise them online.Promote critical thinking, media literacy, and respectful engagement in public discourse.
Strengthening Protections for Journalists and WhistleblowersEnsure journalists and whistleblowers are protected when exposing corruption, injustice, or misconduct, reinforcing the role of free speech in a healthy democracy.Implement stronger shield laws to prevent the suppression of truthful reporting or whistleblowing.
Opposing Social Media Bans and Age Caps
Preserving Access for All
Social media platforms must remain accessible to everyone, regardless of age, to ensure equal opportunities for communication, education, and self-expression.
Alternatives to Restriction:
Instead of imposing bans or age caps, platforms should provide optional tools for users to manage their own experiences, such as enhanced content filters, parental guidance settings, and digital literacy resources.
Accountability Over Exclusion
Address harmful content through transparent moderation and accountability measures rather than excluding individuals from participation in the digital space.
Fostering Inclusion
Uphold the principle that social media is a public forum where every voice, young or old, has the right to be heard, fostering dialogue and understanding across all demographics.
Expected Benefits:
Protected Freedom of Expression
Australians will have their right to free speech enshrined in law, ensuring the ability to express ideas, opinions, and beliefs without fear of unjust censorship.
Transparent and Fair Digital Spaces Social media platforms will operate with clear rules, transparent moderation, and accountability, fostering trust and fairness in how content is managed.
Empowered Individuals Users will have greater control over their online experiences through customizable tools, allowing them to filter content or manage interactions without restricting others' access.
Increased Digital Literacy Educational programs will equip Australians with the skills to critically evaluate online content, engage responsibly, and navigate digital spaces confidently.
Balanced Protections Against Harm By targeting illegal activities like hate speech, defamation, and incitement to violence, the policy ensures safety while maintaining freedom of speech for lawful expression.
Inclusion and Equal Access Rejecting social media bans and age caps ensures all Australians, regardless of age or background, can participate in the digital world, fostering diversity and understanding.
Strengthened Democratic Discourse With free speech guaranteed, public discourse will become more open and robust, encouraging innovation, challenging ideas, and strengthening Australia’s democratic foundations.
Accountability for Platforms and Leaders Independent oversight ensures both government and private entities respect free speech rights, creating a system of accountability that protects all Australians. This policy ensures that free speech becomes a protected cornerstone of Australian law, creating an environment where ideas flourish, diversity of thought is celebrated, and public discourse thrives without fear of suppression or censorship.
Transparent and Fair Digital Spaces Social media platforms will operate with clear rules, transparent moderation, and accountability, fostering trust and fairness in how content is managed.
Empowered Individuals Users will have greater control over their online experiences through customizable tools, allowing them to filter content or manage interactions without restricting others' access.
Increased Digital Literacy Educational programs will equip Australians with the skills to critically evaluate online content, engage responsibly, and navigate digital spaces confidently.
Balanced Protections Against Harm By targeting illegal activities like hate speech, defamation, and incitement to violence, the policy ensures safety while maintaining freedom of speech for lawful expression.
Inclusion and Equal Access Rejecting social media bans and age caps ensures all Australians, regardless of age or background, can participate in the digital world, fostering diversity and understanding.
Strengthened Democratic Discourse With free speech guaranteed, public discourse will become more open and robust, encouraging innovation, challenging ideas, and strengthening Australia’s democratic foundations.
Accountability for Platforms and Leaders Independent oversight ensures both government and private entities respect free speech rights, creating a system of accountability that protects all Australians. This policy ensures that free speech becomes a protected cornerstone of Australian law, creating an environment where ideas flourish, diversity of thought is celebrated, and public discourse thrives without fear of suppression or censorship.