Speakers' Corner
Speakers' Corner is a place for speakers to be heard in Hobart, where our community can celebrate free speech and inspire others.
Open-air public speaking is an opportunity to start conversations, stimulate public debate, present creativity and share our experiences.
Being able to speak freely is a right we are fortunate to have and the City of Hobart encourages both speakers and listeners to engage respectfully and with empathy.
The Speakers' Corner Principles
The principles which should inform all Speakers' Corner events are that they should:
- be attractive and accessible to all
- be strictly non-adversarial and non-partisan
- provide all participants with an equal opportunity to express their views, within the law, and respect diversity of opinion
- be conducted calmly and without rancour
- seek common ground rather than confrontation
- aim to engage, inform and enrich opinion and, wherever possible, entertain.
Source: Speakers' Corner Trust
Speakers
This space is for people who want to make a public address in a peaceful and lawful manner.
Examples of speeches that can be delivered include:
- poetry
- oration
- creative verse
- speaking for a cause
- personal beliefs.
You need to apply for a permit via the online form below, and book in your speaking session by calling 03 6238 2711. You must display your permit during your session, and you must follow the Speakers' Corner terms and conditions(PDF, 691KB).
You may display pamphlets and reading material for listeners. However, you are not permitted to approach people. Listeners can come to you for information and a chat after your session.
Listeners
If listeners are concerned that a speaker is not adhering to the terms and conditions, please contact the City via email coh@hobartcity.com.au or phone 03 6238 2711.
Salamanca Plaza Speakers' Corner
Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday
10 am – 12 pm
30 minute speaking sessions
Location: Salamanca Plaza, Hobart
This element requires javascript to be enabled.Please wait while we load your map...
Apply for a permit
Apply online
Please allow four business days for assessment of this application.
Once a permit has been issues, speakers are required to book their speaking time slot by phoning the City of Hobart customer service centre on 03 6238 2711 during office hours. Bookings may be made up to 1 business day in advance.
FAQs
Who can apply for a permit?
All community members are welcome to apply. We encourage all types of speech from poetry, oration, creative verse, speaking for a cause and personal beliefs.
We require all permit holders to be courteous and respectful to all community members and other permit holders by abiding to the 30 minute time limit for speaking.
Also adhering to clause 10 ensuring that the subject matter of the presentation, the manner in which you present your material, and your behaviour and actions do not breach any law, in particular the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 (Tas).
Who do I contact if I believe a speaker is in breach of the terms and conditions?
If a member of the public believes a speaker has breached these terms and conditions they should lodge a complaint with the City of Hobart via email, telephone or webform.
You can view the Speaker's Corner terms and conditions here(PDF, 691KB).
The City of Hobart may suspend or terminate this permit or amend the terms and restrictions of this permit at any time at the City's absolute discretion.
The permit holder must comply in all respects with the provisions of all Acts of Parliament, Regulations, Rules and By-Laws and all notices, requirements or directions which may be made or given by the City of Hobart or any other authority.
This permit may be suspended or terminated for any breach of the above conditions, and may result in the City of Hobart declining to grant any further permit to the permit holder.