澳大利亚的民主与言论自由

我们很幸运的生活在澳大利亚，一个有言论与选举自由的民主国家。

 

在这次联邦大选中，更让人高兴的是有越来越多华裔背景的澳洲人行使他们的权力，一起参与选举议题的讨论。

 

然则不幸的是，我知道有某位工党候选人 (非维州)，透过华人媒体，威胁质疑工党难民和边境政策的言论违反澳洲法规，恐将面临法院传票的用语。

 

对政策做出质疑，就可能违反澳洲法规并收到法院传票之类的言论是不真实的，用这等手段威胁他人行使他们在澳洲自由的权力不但可悲，更应被谴责。

 

每个人在政治辩论时的讯息或言论都应尽量准确和公平，但如有任何人不同意他人陈述的论点，应做的反应是就事论事的回复质疑，而不是用错误不实的威胁来让人三缄其口。

 

英文版/ English version

Democracy and free speech in Australia

 

It is very pleasing that increasing numbers of Australians of Chinese background are exercising their rights and taking part in political debate during the current Federal election.

 

We are fortunate in Australia that we live in democratic country with free elections and freedom of speech.

 

Unfortunately, I am aware of an instance where a Labor Party candidate (not from Victoria) has threatened in Chinese language media that people are breaking the law and can be taken to court for criticising Labor Party policies on asylum seekers and border protection.

 

This is untrue, and it is deplorable to use a threat like this to try to stop people exercising their rights and freedoms in Australia.

 

Everyone should try to be fair and accurate in what they say in political debate. However, if a person disagrees with what someone else says, that person should reply to their arguments, not make false threats to try to frighten and silence them.