Dr Peter Ridd's High Court appeal prompts questions on govt response on 'free speech'

Sky News host Alan Jones says tomorrow's High Court appeal by Professor Peter Ridd against his dismissal by James Cook University prompts questions of the Morrison government's response to "free speech" in the "out-of-control university system".

Professor Ridd was dismissed in 2018 after he publicly criticised his colleague's research on the Great Barrier Reef.

In 2019, the professor challenged the dismissal and was awarded $1.2 million in compensation, but the decision was reversed when James Cook University successfully appealed the decision in the Federal Court.

Earlier this year the High Court granted special leave for Professor Ridd to bring on his final appeal.

"So tomorrow will be the crescendo of Ridd's five-year legal battle with James Cook University," Mr Jones said.

"Where is the Morrison government?

"In March, the same government legislated to require universities to support "freedom of speech" and "freedom of academic inquiry" as recommended by a review undertaken by former Chief Justice, Robert French.

"All universities had previously agreed to do that based on a model code, but a government report has shown that, in December last year, six had not done so, including James Cook University.

"Well, Minister Alan Tudge, what have you done about it?

"And Scott Morrison, what did you mean today, in Question Time, when you said, "Our Government stands up for Australians, for our values and our way of life" – does that include free speech?"

Видео Dr Peter Ridd's High Court appeal prompts questions on govt response on 'free speech' канала Sky News Australia