✦ Plain-English Summary

Constitution Alteration (Right to Free Speech) 2025

What it does

This bill would add a new chapter to the Australian Constitution that explicitly protects freedom of speech, including freedom of the press and media. It would prevent both the federal government and state governments from making laws that limit these freedoms.

Why it matters

Currently, Australia doesn't have a written guarantee of free speech in the Constitution—courts have had to infer it exists based on other parts of the Constitution. This bill would make it crystal clear and harder to challenge. It could significantly limit what laws Parliament can pass on topics like defamation, hate speech, and misinformation.

Key details

• Who it affects: Everyone in Australia, plus all levels of government (Commonwealth, state and territory)
• What it protects: Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of other media
• The catch: The bill text is very broad and doesn't list exceptions—it says governments "must not make any law that limits" these freedoms. This could create legal uncertainty about existing laws
• Before it happens: This requires a referendum (a public vote) to change the Constitution, so it won't become law without majority support from voters

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