Australian universities are becoming increasingly hostile to free speech, with 35 of 42 institutions promoting policy that limit staff and student expression.

An audit by the Institute of Public Affairs has found an increasing number of universities have outlawed insulting or unwelcome comments… and even sarcasm.

“How can you seriously ban sarcasm?” says Chris Smith.

Meanwhile, campus protests, typically led by the Left-wing activists, are on the rise.

Institute of Public Affairs Research Fellow Matthew Lesh has led the audit for three years.

He says universities are making it more difficult to foster free expression as people become increasingly offended.

“Emotional injury – that’s the language we’re now seeing,” he tells Chris.

Mr Lesh says The University of Sydney has been revealed as the number one institution most hostile to student expression.

Click PLAY below to hear where Australia’s other universities rank