Amnesty International Australia, alongside an Alliance of more than 120 legal and community organisations, religious bodies and trade unions are calling on the NSW Government to establish a public inquiry into the introduction of a Human Rights Act for New South Wales.
Human rights protections in New South Wales remain fragmented, and stronger safeguards for fundamental rights are urgently needed. The absence of a Human Rights Act leaves residents with some of the weakest legal protections for their rights in the democratic world. Everyone in NSW should have the opportunity to have their say on how best to legally protect the dignity, security and interests of all people in NSW.
Nikita White, Amnesty International Australia’s Strategic Campaigner, says “It’s time for NSW to step up. Enshrining our human rights in NSW law would put human rights at the centre of all decision-making in this state. It would enable people in NSW to challenge human rights abuses, right wrongs, and create a fairer future for everyone.”
The group, Human Rights Act for NSW, says NSW has fallen significantly behind comparable jurisdictions when it comes to legally protecting fundamental rights. Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland have enacted Human Rights Acts. Comparable democracies – Canada, New Zealand, the UK – also have well developed local Human Rights Acts.
Human Rights Act for NSW says that referring this Bill to a parliamentary inquiry offers an opportunity for the Minns Government to deliver on NSW Labor’s Platform promise. It would allow communities across the state to participate in a unifying and constructive public discussion about how best to protect the dignity, equality and wellbeing of everyone in NSW.
A legislated Human Rights Act in NSW would enshrine fundamental rights in law and require the NSW Government to place human rights at the heart of decision-making. It would also empower people in NSW to challenge decisions that unfairly limit their rights and ensure greater accountability in the exercise of public power.
Background:
The NSW Labor Platform, taken to the last state election and reaffirmed in 2024, explicitly supports a “community consultation into the introduction of further legislation to better protect the human rights of NSW residents.”
Last October, the Member for Newtown, Jenny Leong MP, introduced the private members Human Rights Bill 2025 (NSW). This week, the Legislative Assembly has an opportunity to refer that Bill to an inquiry.
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