Australia Does Not Have US-Style Free Speech Rights Due to Multiculturalism: NSW Premier

Premier Chris Minns was responding to concerns that new hate speech laws against anti-Semitism will impact free speech rights.  

New South Wales Labor Premier Chris Minns speaks to media during a press conference in Sydney, Australia on Jan. 29, 2025. AAP Image/Steven Saphore

Weeks after passing new hate crime laws, New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns has defended the reforms, arguing they are necessary to protect Australia’s multicultural society.

Critics, however, claim the laws restrict free speech and could have broader implications.