Freedom of speech
Opinion
Workplace disputes
I’m the pianist the MSO tried to silence. Now it wants to silence all artists
According to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, I am not an employee or a contractor. Yet it maintains it can dictate what I can and cannot say.
- by Jayson Gillham
Latest
Opinion
Opinion
Sydney Uni’s ‘enforced civility’ is an assault on free speech – and likely unlawful
It could become one of the most restrictive campuses in the country for peaceful protest, intellectual freedom and critical debate.
- by Sarah Schwartz
Opinion
Opinion
Shouty protesters, Elon Musk and our dumb attempts at democracy
I was in the audience when Radiohead’s Thom Yorke called a heckler a coward. This episode got me thinking about freedom and protest – and how not to go about it.
- by Malcolm Knox
Opinion
Protests
The timing is shameful, but the pro-Palestinians have a right to protest
You can only be taken seriously as a defender of free speech if you are willing to defend the right to free expression of views which you oppose and, at times, despise.
- by George Brandis
Sacked pianist’s action against MSO reveals its divisions
Sacked pianist Jayson Gillham will come up against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for an initial hearing in the Federal Court next week.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
Analysis
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Illegal, indecent or essential: What happened to Australians’ right to protest?
As political debate reignites over October 7 protests and free speech, some seek to draw distinctions between the right to protest and what is right.
- by Natassia Chrysanthos
Opinion
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
These are the things I’ve learnt you can’t ask about Israel
I’ve been called a “kapo”, a “token Jew”, and a denier of Judaism for asking hard questions.
- by Louise Adler
Opinion
Opinion
Lattouf and Gillham were punished for an opinion. It’s a threat that hangs over all Australians
It’s one thing to stop workers from criticising their employer publicly. But recent cases in which they’ve been sanctioned for merely expressing views reveal a grave danger.
- by Greg Barns SC
When art and politics collide: The battles tearing our cultural bodies apart
Sackings, boycotts, sponsorship withdrawals: arts organisations across the country are in turmoil. So who has the right to say what?
- by Kerrie O'Brien
Opinion
Censorship
What surprises about the Middle East culture wars? The left and right have swapped sides
Culture wars have many fronts but the Israel/Hamas conflict has supercharged unlikely battles over free speech, discrimination and the nature of protest.
- by Jacqueline Maley
Opinion
Workplace culture
It’s dangerous to talk politics at work – especially if you want to keep your job
Dolly Parton recommends keeping your mouth shut if you want to stay in show business. Much the same could be said for any workplace in Australia.
- by Paul O'Halloran
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/freedom-of-speech-1mmi