The Impact of Hate Speech Laws on Public Discourse in Australia. 2009 will mark the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the first Australian laws (NSW) directed at the regulation of hate speech. Although hate speech laws are now firmly embedded in Australia's legal landscape, and have been extended in some jurisdictions to vilification based on religious and sexual orientation, they remain a controversial instrument for supporting Australia's policies on multiculturalism, religious tolerance an ....The Impact of Hate Speech Laws on Public Discourse in Australia. 2009 will mark the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the first Australian laws (NSW) directed at the regulation of hate speech. Although hate speech laws are now firmly embedded in Australia's legal landscape, and have been extended in some jurisdictions to vilification based on religious and sexual orientation, they remain a controversial instrument for supporting Australia's policies on multiculturalism, religious tolerance and respect for difference. An examination of the effects of hate speech laws on public discourse - both intended and unintended - will offer valuable insights about the capacity of law to deliver social cohesion in 21st century Australia.Read moreRead less
Securing Freedom. Political Speech in Australia. This project will strengthen Australians' ability to secure their own freedom through enhancing and maintaining a stronger civic culture. Political speech is vital to the health of Australian democracy. By considering political speech in practice, this project will show the wide extent of political freedoms and thus democratic practice in Australia today. It will also outline some areas where the freedom may be at risk. In an era where political f ....Securing Freedom. Political Speech in Australia. This project will strengthen Australians' ability to secure their own freedom through enhancing and maintaining a stronger civic culture. Political speech is vital to the health of Australian democracy. By considering political speech in practice, this project will show the wide extent of political freedoms and thus democratic practice in Australia today. It will also outline some areas where the freedom may be at risk. In an era where political freedoms can be perceived to be at risk due to the need to ensure national security, this project will harmonise and reconcile national security needs with the democratic values of Australian society.Read moreRead less