We want to protect freedom of speech, but it is not unlimited freedom of speech. There has always been rules around defamation, slander and libel, and in Victoria, we have effective rules on racial and religious vilification.

Denis Napthine's quote, "We want to protect freedom of speech, but it is not unlimited freedom of speech," addresses the complex balance between protecting individual rights to express opinions and ensuring that such expressions do not harm others. Napthine acknowledges that while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, there are limits in place to protect people from harmful speech that could cause significant harm or damage to others. This perspective emphasizes the need for responsible expression in society.

The reference to defamation, slander, and libel highlights specific areas where speech can cross the line into harm. These legal concepts refer to false statements that damage a person's reputation or cause emotional distress, and they are areas where speech is regulated to prevent harm. Napthine’s mention of these rules suggests that freedom of speech should not be used as a shield for harmful or misleading speech that undermines the well-being of others.

Napthine also points to the existence of laws in Victoria addressing racial and religious vilification, further reinforcing the idea that freedom of speech can be curtailed when it incites discrimination or hatred. These laws are designed to prevent speech that could lead to violence or harassment based on race, religion, or other personal characteristics. His quote shows that while speech is free, society must have mechanisms in place to ensure it doesn’t escalate into harmful behavior.

In essence, Napthine’s statement highlights the need for a balance between protecting free expression and ensuring that speech does not infringe on the rights or safety of others. His view is that rules and regulations around harmful speech are necessary to maintain a just and equitable society, where individuals can express themselves without causing undue harm or inciting violence.