The war on free speech often becomes a war on truth. The Libertarian Party trusts the public’s ability to evaluate ideas, discern truth, and identify falsehoods without state intervention. Free speech is foundational for the Libertarian Party, enabling the free exchange of ideas to challenge and refine beliefs in an open marketplace. Stifling speech allows bad ideas to fester in the dark, to the detriment of all. In Australia, the government and corporate media increasingly use terms like misinformation and disinformation primarily as a tool for censorship of information that contradicts the government’s narrative.
The censorship of medical data and advice during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the dangers of restricting information. Social media platforms further limit free expression, often pre emptively censoring content to avoid government fines or regulations. The Libertarian Party argues for a clear legal framework prohibiting government censorship online, reducing pressure on tech companies to self-censor. Additionally, platforms for social interaction should be shielded from defamation lawsuits to encourage open dialogue.
Decentralisation of information sources is crucial for a vibrant marketplace of ideas. Neither traditional nor social media
organisations can maintain true independence or impartiality. The Libertarian Party wants diverse media sources, low barriers to entry, and robust competition to ensure a plurality of voices. Moreover, government ownership or involvement in media distorts the free flow of information and should be eliminated. By upholding these principles, Australia can safeguard free speech and empower individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The Libertarian Party will:
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Enshrine free speech into the Australian Constitution.
Call for a referendum to enshrine free speech in the Constitution to ensure that speech is never subjected to political interference or censorship. The constitutional amendment would be modelled on the First Amendment to the United States of America’s Constitution.
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Abolish section 18c of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA).
Repeal section 18C of thee RDA, which makes it unlawful to “offend, insult or humiliate” based on race, colour or
national or ethnic origin. This law restricts debate and is unnecessary because ther.e are criminal laws that deal
with obscenity and violence
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Oppose or repeal all misinformation and disinformation and "hate speech" legislation.
Repeal all laws regulating misinformation or disinformation or so-called "hate speech" and reject any expansion of powers granted to regulators, including the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Such laws and bureaucrats pose a threat to free speech and democracy.
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Protect the right of medical practitioners to advise freely.
Ensure that medical and allied health practitioners have the right to freely express their professional opinions about treatments without interference from regulatory bodies, guaranteeing patients can make informed decisions based on the advice they choose to listen to (see our Medical Freedom policy for more detail).
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Stop censorship of social media platforms.
Repeal any existing legislation that requires censorship of the internet. Social media platforms will not be made liable for user generated content and platforms will not be censored except to remove child exploitation material.
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Defund and privatise the ABC and SBS.
Make the ABC and SBS private. Government-funded media cannot be independent. Such organisations will always
have their own biases, which invariably favour expanding the reach of government.