Do we have the right to freedom of speech in Australia?
Australia does not have an explicit First Amendment equivalent enshrining the protection of freedom of speech in our Constitution.
Freedom of information, opinion and expression
Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.
Right to freedom of opinion and expression
The right to freedom of opinion is the right to hold opinions without interference, and cannot be subject to any exception or restriction.
The right to freedom of expression extends to any medium, including written and oral communications, the media, public protest, broadcasting, artistic works and commercial advertising.
Freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief
Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.
What does freedom of religion mean in Australia?
Australia has been a secular country since Federation in 1901. It means that the State and Church are separate, and as such, the government can’t interfere with the exercise of religion.
Australia's Efforts to Promote and Protect Freedom of Religion and Belief
The respect for humanity and sense of ethics that underpin human rights are often said to derive from religious belief. Certainly, the major religions of the world emphasise our common humanity and the dignity and equality of individuals. While respect for fellow human beingsthe foundation of toleranceis a principle of the world's major religions, and most states proclaim their respect for religious differences, there is evidence of persistent and increasing religious intolerance. This appears to coincide with increasing religious revival.
What is freedom of association?All employees and contractors have the right to join or not join a union. This is called freedom of association. A union or an employer may be breaking the law if they put pressure on workers to make a decision about joining, not joining or leaving a union.Source
What is the right to freedom of assembly and association?
The right to peaceful assembly protects the right of individuals and groups to meet and to engage in peaceful protest. The right to freedom of association protects the right to form and join associations to pursue common goals.Source
Workers United will never be defeated!
Unite to defeat the Ensuring Integrity Bill!
The right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in comformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order ( ordre public), the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.Source
The right to freedom of movement
Includes the right to move freely within a country for those who are lawfully within the country, the right to leave any country and the right to enter a country of which you are a citizen. The right may be restricted in certain circumstances.Source
Freedom of movement
Everyone lawfully within the territory of a State shall, within that territory, have the right to liberty of movement and freedom to choose his residence.Source
