Inquiry Set to Hear from Experts and Community
SYDNEY — A Human Rights Bill has been referred to a Parliamentary Inquiry in New South Wales, marking a significant step towards establishing a standalone act to protect citizens’ rights. The referral, announced on Wednesday, seeks to gather insights from experts and the public, according to the Law Society of NSW.
Ronan MacSweeney, President of the Law Society of NSW, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating that the inquiry provides legislators with a valuable opportunity to explore how human rights can be embedded in state law. “The human rights and public law experts on the Law Society’s policy and practice Committees look forward to contributing to this inquiry,” MacSweeney noted.
Currently, Australia remains the only common law country without federally legislated human rights provisions, although states like Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia have enacted their own laws. MacSweeney pointed out that well-crafted human rights legislation in NSW would enhance the rule of law and improve governance outcomes.
Legal Implications and Context
Legal and community stakeholders, including the NSW Bar Association, were instrumental in advocating for the inquiry. MacSweeney acknowledged their efforts, urging inquiry members to consider a wide range of expert opinions to avoid unintended consequences. “This inquiry would not have been possible without the determined advocacy of supporters of human rights reform in NSW,” he said.
The Law Society of NSW encourages an objective review by all parliamentary sides to ensure evidence-based recommendations. More information on the Law Society’s support for human rights legislation can be found in their Thought Leadership paper.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 1 April 2026, 10:31 am
