By Henry Ea -
The two peak bodies representing the legal profession in New South Wales have joined forces to call for a comprehensive public inquiry into a proposed Human Rights Act for the state.
The NSW Bar Association and the Law Society of NSW are urging the referral of the Human Rights Bill 2025 to a parliamentary inquiry for thorough consultation and review.
NSW Bar Association President, Dominic Toomey SC, stated that the Bill’s introduction to Parliament offers a crucial chance to establish a strong human rights framework that serves the entire 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,” Toomey said.
He emphasised the daily reality faced by legal practitioners, noting that Bar Association members frequently work alongside First Nations people, minority groups, children, and people with disability, whose human rights have not been observed.
Toomey believes a “comprehensive public inquiry” is essential to allow Parliament to hear from experts and, critically, from those whose rights have been denied, thereby supporting the development of an Act that is both appropriate and effective for the people of NSW.
Law Society of NSW President, Jennifer Ball, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Law Society’s long-standing support for human rights legislation and the increasing momentum behind the movement.
“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,” Ball stated.
She argues that a “full and open parliamentary inquiry” will enable robust public debate on the issue. Ball concluded that “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 updated its Thought Leadership paper Human Rights Legislation for NSW, which can be accessed here.
