To what extent do Australians think speech is free in this country? According to polling conducted for the Centre for Independent Studies in December 2022, Australians are evenly divided in their views about freedom of speech. The views of those who think speech is unduly restricted appears to be balanced, for the most part, by those who support restrictions if they serve to protect the interests of those members of society considered vulnerable.

However, the authors of this paper argue that these results are also open to the interpretation that Australians are fundamentally ambivalent about freedom of speech: we support freedom of speech when we agree with the opinions voiced, but are inclined to withdraw that support when we do not agree the views and opinions expressed by others. Constraints on freedom of speech in Australia remain an issue of concern. However, the authors of this report argue that polling suggests there is no ‘crisis’ of free speech and that there is no call for heavy corrective action by government.