The Green Party criticizes planned changes to freedom of speech obligations.
A proposed government overhaul of university free speech rules has been met with fierce opposition from the Green Party, who claim it is a thinly veiled attempt to stoke fear and disinformation. According to party spokesperson Francisco Hernandez, the move would allow politicians like David Seymour to dictate what can be said on campus, effectively turning universities into "hostile environments unsafe for marginalised communities."
The changes aim to limit university ability to take stances on issues, potentially restricting free speech in the process. Hernandez argues that this is a form of "Orwellian" control, designed to silence dissenting voices and promote a government-approved agenda.
Universities already face significant challenges under current funding constraints, with stretched resources and chronic underfunding. Instead of imposing legislative mandates, Hernandez suggests supporting universities to foster inclusive environments where robust academic discussions can thrive, and misinformation is isolated from information.