Freedom of speech
5 min · 18 practice questions
Freedom of speech is a core Australian value that underpins the democratic system. People can write and discuss their ideas, criticise the government, protest peacefully against government decisions, and campaign to change laws — so long as they obey Australian laws. Australians must respect other people's freedom of speech.
This topic is also part of Part 4, Australian values. The test can ask about it from either angle.
What Our Common Bond says
- Freedom of speech is a core Australian value and underpins Australia's democratic system.
- People can write and discuss their ideas freely.
- People can criticise the government, protest peacefully against its decisions, and campaign to change laws — so long as they obey Australian laws.
- Australians must respect other people's freedom of speech.
Common mistakes
- Treating freedom of speech as unlimited — it is exercised within the law.
- Thinking criticising the government is not allowed — it is, provided the law is obeyed.
- Assuming freedom of speech lets a person break the law while protesting.
Test yourself
One question at a time: pick an answer, then check it. Everything here comes from Our Common Bond, Part 2, page 21 (official booklet ↗).
Question 1 of 18
Checked against Our Common Bond (0.3.1). Last reviewed September 2026. How questions are checked