2019

The Parliament of the

Commonwealth of Australia

THE SENATE

Presented and read a first time

Constitution Alteration (Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Press) 2019

No.      , 2019

(Senators Griff and Patrick)

A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution to expressly protect freedom of expression, including freedom of the press

Contents

1............ Short title............................................................................................. 1

2............ Commencement................................................................................... 1

3............ Schedule 1........................................................................................... 2

Schedule 1—Alteration of the Constitution                                                           3

A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution to expressly protect freedom of expression, including freedom of the press

The Parliament of Australia, with the approval of the electors, as required by the Constitution, enacts:

1  Short title

                   This Act is the Constitution Alteration (Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Press) 2019.

2  Commencement

                   This Act commences on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent.

3  Schedule 1

                   The Constitution is altered as set out in Schedule 1.

Schedule 1—Alteration of the Constitution

1  After Chapter III

Insert:

Chapter IIIA—Freedom of Expression

80A  Freedom of expression

                   The Commonwealth, a State or a Territory must not limit freedom of expression, including freedom of the press and other media.

                   However, a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory may limit the freedom only if the limitation is reasonable and justifiable in an open, free and democratic society.