Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank all senators for their contribution to this debate. The Higher Education Support Amendment (Freedom of Speech) Bill 2020 will amend the Higher Education Support Act 2003 to give effect to recommendations of the independent review of freedom of speech in Australian higher education providers conducted in 2019 by the Hon. Robert French AC, former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia.

The amendments will provide a new legislative definition of 'academic freedom' that encompasses aspects of freedom of expression that are characteristic of the relationship of higher education institutions, academic staff and students. They will also enshrine the need for public universities to have a policy that upholds freedom of speech and academic freedom. These are fundamental tenets of Australian higher education, and this bill will provide stronger protections for both academic freedom and freedom of speech.