What does respecting those who disagree mean?

Respecting those who disagree means accepting that other Australians can hold different political, religious, ideological, or lifestyle views and still be valued members of the same community. It does not mean agreeing with their views or refraining from challenging them in debate, but rather treating them with civility and acknowledging their right to hold those views.

The principle is rooted in liberal democratic thought and is reflected in many parts of Australian law and culture. The right to disagree peacefully, to hold and express opposing political views, to belong to a different religion, and to live a different lifestyle is protected by the implied freedom of political communication recognised by the High Court since the 1992 Australian Capital Television case, by federal and state anti-discrimination laws, and by the convention that political opponents are addressed respectfully in Parliament.

In practical terms, respecting disagreement involves listening to the other person's argument, engaging with the substance rather than personal attacks, conceding points where they have force, and accepting that you and your opponent might still disagree at the end of the conversation. It also involves protecting the other person's right to express their views without censorship or harassment, even when their views are uncomfortable or unpopular.

Respect for disagreement is tested in heated moments. The 2023 Voice referendum produced intense debate across Australia, with majority Yes and No campaigns each making strongly felt cases. After the No vote of 60.1 per cent, the Albanese government and Reconciliation Australia called on all Australians to respect both supporters and opponents of the proposal and to continue the broader work of reconciliation. The same principle applies in religious debates, industrial relations, environmental policy, and almost every other area of Australian public life.