Bill Debate · Second Reading

Constitution Alteration (Right to Free Speech) 2025; Second Reading

Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator Ralph Babet introduced a bill to enshrine freedom of speech in the Australian Constitution. The proposal sought to insert a new chapter prohibiting laws that limit speech or press freedom. Babet argued that current legal frameworks failed to protect expression and that constitutional change was urgently required. The debate was adjourned after the second reading speech was delivered.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned after leave was granted for the second reading speech to be incorporated in Hansard.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Ralph Babet (VIC) (United Australia Party) UAP

Babet moved that the bill be read a second time and tabled an explanatory memorandum. The member argued that freedom of speech is currently under threat from state and federal legislation. Babet stated that the proposed alteration would insert a new Chapter IIIA and section 80A into the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900. This change would prevent the Commonwealth or any State from making laws that limit freedom of speech or the press. The member compared the proposal to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Babet claimed that Australians assume they have this right but lack guaranteed protection. The senator argued that the bill would allow voters to decide on the importance of free speech in a referendum.