Freedom of Speech
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This poster forms part of the Informed Playing Card Project, showing how Australian values such as the fair go, freedom and respect for others guide civic behaviour and support a cohesive, democratic society.
Informed Australian Values Playing Card
Related Resources
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This factsheet outlines the core values that support Australia’s free and democratic society, including equality, freedom, respect and responsibility. It shows how these values guide civic behaviour, protect rights and underpin Australia’s democracy and rule of law.
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This case note outlines the High Court’s decision in Comcare v Banerji, where a public servant challenged her dismissal after anonymously posting critical political comments on Twitter. The Court confirmed that the implied freedom of political communication is not a personal right but a limit on legislative power, and held that the APS Code of Conduct did not impose an unjustified burden on that freedom. The decision highlights how the rule of law balances public sector duties, political communication and constitutional limits on government power.
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This activity helps students identify Australia’s core civic values—such as equality, respect, freedom and responsibility—and apply them to everyday scenarios. Students discuss how these values guide behaviour, support democratic participation and connect to the rule of law.
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Checks and Balances on Power
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Open and Free Criticism
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Human Rights
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