• Section 1 - Preamble
• Section 2 - Purpose
• Section 3 - Scope
• Section 4 - Policy
• Principles
• Section 5 - Non-Compliance

Section 1 - Preamble

(1) Charles Darwin University (‘the University’, ‘CDU’) is committed to and supports the exercise of academic freedom and freedom of speech. Academic freedom and freedom of speech is a defining value of the University and should not be unnecessarily burdened by restrictions other than those imposed by law and set out in the principles of the Model Code.

Section 2 - Purpose

(2) This policy outlines the University’s commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech.

(3) This policy is based on A model code for the protection of freedom of speech and academic freedom in Australian higher education providers (the Model Code).

Section 3 - Scope

(4) This policy applies to all students and staff, including academic and professional staff, of the University.

Section 4 - Policy

Principles

(5) Staff members and students of the University enjoy freedom of speech on land of the University or in connection with a University activity, subject to reasonable free speech restrictions as set out in this policy and other University’s governance documents.

(6) Subject to reasonable free speech restrictions:

1. speech of staff members and students on University land or in connection with a University activity (including activities carried out digitally) will not constitute misconduct or attract any penalty by reference only to its content; and
2. lawful public comment by a staff member in their private capacity will not be constrained by reason of their employment by the University although the University will require them to not identify themselves as associated with the University when speaking outside the areas covered by academic freedom.

(7) Academic staff members and students at the University enjoy academic freedom, subject to reasonable academic freedom restrictions as set out in the University’s governance documents, which may include:

1. reasonable and proportionate restrictions of conduct necessary to:
   1. comply with the law;
   2. discharge the duty to foster the wellbeing of staff members and students;
   3. prevent harassment, vilification or intimidation;
   4. ensure that research is carried out in accordance with the University’s ethical obligations;
   5. comply with the University's legal obligations including contractual obligations with third parties pertaining to such matters as confidentiality and the protection of intellectual property;
2. reasonable requirements as to the courses to be delivered and the content and means of their delivery and reasonable standards of behaviour in educational settings; and
3. reasonable restrictions placed on students, including confidentiality and compliance with Codes of Conduct, by third parties providing clinical and work placements and similar work integrated learning opportunities.

(8) The exercise of academic freedom by academic staff members and students should not constitute misconduct or attract any penalty, subject to reasonable academic freedom restrictions.

(9) In entering into affiliation, collaborative or contractual arrangements with third parties and in accepting donations from third parties subject to conditions, the University should take reasonable steps to minimise the restrictions or burdens imposed by such arrangements on the freedom of speech of staff members and students or academic freedom of academic staff members and students.

(10) Academic staff members may provide a warning for students about content that may be confronting to some members of a class of student, but they are not obliged to do so.

(11) Academic staff members must comply with any governance document supportive of the University's duty to foster the wellbeing of staff members and students.

(12) Academic staff members are not precluded from including academic content solely on the ground that it may offend or shock any student or class of students.

(13) Staff members seeking to exercise academic freedom and freedom of speech must comply with their employment obligations and conditions of employment.

(14) External visitors and invited visitors are able to seek permission for the use of University land or facilities, subject to reasonable use restrictions as set out in the University’s governance documents, which may include:

1. requiring the person or persons organising the event to comply with booking procedures and to provide information relevant to the conduct of any event, and any public safety and security issues;
2. distinguishing between invited visitors and external visitors in framing any such requirements and conditions;
3. refusing permission to any invited visitor or external visitor to speak on University land or use University facilities where:
   1. the University assesses it necessary to comply with the University's legal obligations;
   2. the University assesses it necessary to discharge the duty to foster the wellbeing of staff members and students;
   3. it involves the uncontested advancement of theories or propositions which purport to be based on scholarship or research, but which fall below scholarly standards to such an extent as to be detrimental to the University’s standing as an institution of higher learning;
4. requiring external speakers seeking permission for the use of University land or facilities for any visiting speaker to contribute in whole or in part to the cost of providing security and other measures in the interests of public safety and order in connection with the event at which the visitor is to speak.

(15) External visitors and invited visitors should not be refused permission solely on the basis of the lawful content of the proposed speech by the visitor but may be subject to reasonable use restrictions.

Section 5 - Non-Compliance

(16) Non-compliance with Governance Documents is considered a breach of the Code of Conduct – Staff or the Code of Conduct – Students, as applicable, and is treated seriously by the University. Reports of concerns about non-compliance will be managed in accordance with the applicable disciplinary procedures outlined in the Charles Darwin University and Union Enterprise Agreement 2025 and the Code of Conduct – Students.

(17) Complaints may be raised in accordance with the Complaints and Grievance Policy and Procedure - Employees and Complaints Policy - Students.

(18) All staff members have an individual responsibility to raise any suspicion, allegation or report of fraud or corruption in accordance with the Fraud and Corruption Control Policy and Whistleblower Reporting (Improper Conduct) Procedure.