Shouty protesters,Elon Musk and our dumb attempts at democracy
Opinion
Opinion

Shouty protesters,Elon Musk and our dumb attempts at democracy

I was in the audience when Radiohead’s Thom Yorke called a heckler a coward. This episode got me thinking about freedom and protest – and how not to go about it.

  • byMalcolm Knox

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The timing is shameful,but the pro-Palestinians have a right to protest
Opinion
Protests

The timing is shameful,but the pro-Palestinians have a right to protest

You can only be taken seriously as a defender of free speech if you are willing to defend the right to free expression of views which you oppose and,at times,despise.

  • byGeorge Brandis
Sacked pianist’s action against MSO reveals its divisions

Sacked pianist’s action against MSO reveals its divisions

Sacked pianist Jayson Gillham will come up against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for an initial hearing in the Federal Court next week.

  • byKerrie O'Brien
Illegal,indecent or essential:What happened to Australians’ right to protest?

Illegal,indecent or essential:What happened to Australians’ right to protest?

As political debate reignites over October 7 protests and free speech,some seek to draw distinctions between the right to protest and what is right.

  • byNatassia Chrysanthos
These are the things I’ve learnt you can’t ask about Israel

These are the things I’ve learnt you can’t ask about Israel

I’ve been called a “kapo”,a “token Jew”,and a denier of Judaism for asking hard questions.

  • byLouise Adler
Lattouf and Gillham were punished for an opinion. It’s a threat that hangs over all Australians
Opinion
Opinion

Lattouf and Gillham were punished for an opinion. It’s a threat that hangs over all Australians

It’s one thing to stop workers from criticising their employer publicly. But recent cases in which they’ve been sanctioned for merely expressing views reveal a grave danger.

  • byGreg Barns SC
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When art and politics collide:The battles tearing our cultural bodies apart

When art and politics collide:The battles tearing our cultural bodies apart

Sackings,boycotts,sponsorship withdrawals:arts organisations across the country are in turmoil. So who has the right to say what?

  • byKerrie O'Brien
What surprises about the Middle East culture wars? The left and right have swapped sides
Opinion
Censorship

What surprises about the Middle East culture wars? The left and right have swapped sides

Culture wars have many fronts but the Israel/Hamas conflict has supercharged unlikely battles over free speech,discrimination and the nature of protest.

  • byJacqueline Maley
It’s dangerous to talk politics at work – especially if you want to keep your job

It’s dangerous to talk politics at work – especially if you want to keep your job

Dolly Parton recommends keeping your mouth shut if you want to stay in show business. Much the same could be said for any workplace in Australia.

  • byPaul O'Halloran
MSO managing director departs,Peter Garrett to lead independent review

MSO managing director departs,Peter Garrett to lead independent review

After weeks of controversy and a vote of no confidence from its own musicians,the managing director of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has left the organisation.

  • byGemma Grant andElizabeth Flux
Italian reporter fined €5000 for dig at PM Giorgia Meloni’s height

Italian reporter fined €5000 for dig at PM Giorgia Meloni’s height

Italy defines defamation as “damage to the reputation of a person through communication with several persons.” The reporter suggested Meloni was only 1.2 meters tall.

  • byElisabetta Povoledo