19/03/2026

The NSW Parliament’s decision to refer the Greens bill for a NSW Human Rights Act to an inquiry for public consultation and report is a welcome step in the right direction, says the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).

“A NSW Human Rights Act would benefit us all. It will provide an avenue for significant, positive, life-changing outcomes for many people who are struggling in the current economic and social climate, and in particular the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Ms Genevieve Henderson, NSW President, Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).

“A human rights law would ensure the accountability of decision-makers in our state and create a stronger human rights culture that focuses on diversity, inclusion, equality and respect. Human rights need to be at the forefront of decision making and not an afterthought.”

Drawing on the experiences in Victoria, the ACT and Queensland, the ALA says there is evidence that important and practical human rights protections can be achieved when human rights laws are in place. To be most effective human rights laws must be entrenched in legislation and public officials must be obliged to make decisions that are consistent with these laws.

“We need to catch up with accepted international standards – and follow the lead of other jurisdictions in Australia - when it comes to protecting the rights of our citizens. Human rights laws are positive and effective mechanisms for safeguarding the dignity and well-being of everyone in a healthy democracy,” said Genevieve.

The Australian Lawyers Alliance is a member of the Human Rights Act for NSW Alliance.