The University of Melbourne has released a free speech policy for the first time but says it does not support the principle being exercised if it "unreasonably disrupts [the] activities or operations of the university".

The development comes as Australian universities start rolling out a new free speech code which was proposed by former High Court chief justice Robert French in a government-commissioned review.

Melbourne Uni now has a free speech policy. Credit:Joe Armao

University of Melbourne vice-chancellor Duncan Maskell said the institution had started working on its policy before the French review.

"Freedom of speech is a fundamental principle of our University – it always has been and always will be," he said.