Freedom fighters

As the free speech bill nears the finish line, some sensible amendments may be accepted

In major cities, it is said you are never more than six feet from a rat. In 21st-century higher education, it seems you are never more than six minutes from a debate about freedom of speech or academic freedom.

Yesterday, we reported in our news pages (and mentioned in Playbook) that proposed changes to the higher education free speech bill would allay some of the concerns about a potential deluge of vexatious litigation when the bill inevitably comes to pass. It may have been 19 months since the bill had its first reading, but as it limps towards the finish line, some sensible amendment suggestions are being made.