Do I have the right to free speech?

• Article 19(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) contains the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
• There is no Commonwealth law which specifically contains this right but people in Australia still enjoy the right to freedom of speech.
• There are limitations on this freedom contained in legislation such as the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).
• The ICCPR provides that countries may also limit freedom of opinion and expression through domestic legislation when that is necessary to protect
  • the rights or reputations of others;
  • national security;
  • public order; or
  • public health or morals.