Thursday, 6 November 2025

Legal profession unites for public inquiry into a NSW Human Rights Act

The two peak representative bodies for the NSW legal profession have united to support the establishment of a public inquiry into a Human Rights Act for NSW.

The President of the NSW Bar Association, Dominic Toomey SC, and the President of the Law Society of NSW, Jennifer Ball, are calling for the Human Rights Bill 2025 to be referred to a parliamentary inquiry for consultation and review.

Mr Toomey said the introduction of the bill to NSW Parliament presents an opportunity to make significant progress in building a robust human rights framework that meets the needs of the community. 

“For too long, NSW has failed to provide appropriate protection through an established human rights framework for the rights of our state’s population, particularly those of disadvantaged members of our community,” Mr Toomey SC said.

“Every day the Association’s members work alongside First Nations people, minority groups, children, people with disability and many others whose human rights have been failed to be observed in some way.”

“A comprehensive public inquiry will allow the Parliament to hear from experts, and those whose rights have been denied, and will support the Parliament in developing a Human Rights Act that operates appropriately and effectively for the people of NSW.” 

Ms Ball said the Law Society of NSW had long supported the enactment of human rights legislation in NSW and that there has been increasing momentum for such an Act.  

“This support for a standalone Human Rights Act is grounded in the Law Society’s commitment to the rule of law, as it would provide a clear, principled framework for consistent decision-making. A full and open parliamentary inquiry will enable robust public debate about this important issue.” Ms Ball said.
 
“Appropriately framed legislation could strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights in NSW as well as helping to foster social cohesion and providing fairness and justice to the community.”

The Law Society of NSW has recently updated its Thought Leadership paper Human Rights Legislation for NSW, which can be accessed here.