Freedom of speech
11 min · 43 practice questions · values questions
As an Australian value, people should be able to express their ideas freely within the law — in speech, in writing, in the media, and by meeting for social or political discussion in public or private. Australians may peacefully protest against government actions, and tolerance of peaceful public protest is an essential part of democracy. The limits: it is never acceptable to promote violence against a person or group, it is illegal to make false allegations or to encourage others to break the law, and other people's lawful freedom of speech must be respected.
This topic is also part of Part 2, Democratic beliefs and rights. The test can ask about it from either angle.
What Our Common Bond says
- People should be able to express their ideas freely within the law — in speech, writing and the media, and by meeting for discussion.
- Australians may peacefully protest against government actions; tolerating peaceful public protest is an essential part of democracy.
- Promoting violence against another person or group is never acceptable and is against Australian values and law.
- It is illegal to make false allegations or to encourage others to break the law.
- Other people's freedom of speech must be respected as long as it is lawful.
Common mistakes
- Treating freedom of speech as having no legal limits.
- Thinking promoting violence is acceptable if it targets a group rather than an individual — it is never acceptable.
- Assuming you only have to respect speech you agree with — lawful speech must be respected even when you disagree.
Test yourself
One question at a time: pick an answer, then check it. Everything here comes from Our Common Bond, Part 4, page 37 (official booklet ↗).
Question 1 of 43Values question
Checked against Our Common Bond (0.3.1). Last reviewed September 2026. How questions are checked