Our freedoms
Australians have freedom of speech, association and religion, always within the law. Learn the limits too: protests must be peaceful, no one can be forced to join a group, and Australian law wins when it conflicts with a religious practice.
What to remember
- Freedom of speech and expression, always within the law.
- Freedom of association: you can join any legal group, and no one can force you to join.
- Protests must be peaceful and must not injure anyone or damage property.
- Freedom of religion: the government is secular, there is no official religion, and Australian law wins when it conflicts with a religious practice.
Sample questions
What does freedom of speech mean in Australia?Show answer
- Only journalists can criticise the government
- People can say and write what they think and discuss their ideas, as long as they obey Australian laws
- People can say anything, even if it breaks the law
People can say and write what they think and discuss their ideas, as long as they obey Australian laws. Freedom of speech means people can say and write what they think and discuss their ideas with others. At all times, the laws of Australia must be obeyed.
Are people in Australia allowed to criticise the government?Show answer
- No, it is against the law
- Only members of parliament can do so
- Yes, and they can protest peacefully and campaign to change laws, while obeying the law
Yes, and they can protest peacefully and campaign to change laws, while obeying the law. People can criticise the government, protest peacefully against government decisions and campaign to change laws, as long as they obey Australian laws.
What does freedom of expression allow people to do?Show answer
- Ignore laws they disagree with
- Express their views, including through art, film, music and literature
- Stop other people from expressing different views
Express their views, including through art, film, music and literature. Freedom of expression means people can express their views, including through art, film, music and literature, and meet in public or private for social or political discussion.
Source: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, p. 19. Read the full booklet on the Home Affairs website.