Freedom of speech
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
Latest
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
MSO managing director departs, Peter Garrett to lead independent review
After weeks of controversy and a vote of no confidence from its own musicians, the managing director of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has left the organisation.
- by Gemma Grant and Elizabeth Flux
Italian reporter fined €5000 for dig at PM Giorgia Meloni’s height
Italy defines defamation as “damage to the reputation of a person through communication with several persons.” The reporter suggested Meloni was only 1.2 meters tall.
- by Elisabetta Povoledo
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/topic/freedom-of-speech-1mmi