Freedom of Speech

Nationals senator Matthew Canavan moved that the Senate support freedom of speech and condemn the Greens for supporting restrictions on protests. The motion was made in response to the Greens' campaign to make protesting outside abortion clinics illegal.

The vote was tied, so it didn't pass.

The State Parliaments decide on buffer zones, so even if this motion passed, the existing laws wouldn't change. When this motion was introduced, only Tasmania had buffer zone laws, but by the end of the month, Victoria also had them.

Wording of the motion

That the Senate notes:

(a) the important role freedom of speech plays in the exercise of public debate;

(b) that informed public debate requires the expression of different views, even if you disagree with them;

(c) that this nation has fought wars for democracy, for freedom of speech and for the right to protest; and

(d) that attempts by the Australian Greens and their supporters to introduce legislation banning peaceful protest from public areas is an attack on a fundamental right and should be opposed.