Have your say on a Human Rights Bill for NSW

The NSW Parliament’s Community Services Committee is currently conducting an inquiry into the Human Rights Bill 2025, which proposes the introduction of a Human Rights Act for New South Wales.

This inquiry gives individuals, community groups and organisations the chance to tell Parliament why human rights protections matter and why they should be strengthened.

Submissions to the inquiry are open until 3 July 2026.

We support a Human Rights Act for NSW

At JRS Australia, we support the introduction of a Human Rights Act for NSW because everyone deserves to have their dignity, rights and humanity respected and protected. A Human Rights Act would help ensure that governments and public authorities consider people’s rights when making decisions and delivering services, creating a fairer and more accountable system for everyone.

Public support for stronger human rights protections is already clear. Polling commissioned by Amnesty International Australia found that 78% of people in NSW support a Human Rights Act. The inquiry is an important opportunity to show Parliament that this support extends across our communities.

Why does this matter for refugees and people seeking asylum?

A Human Rights Act would benefit everyone in NSW, regardless of visa status.

Many of the people JRS Australia works alongside face barriers when accessing housing, healthcare, education, employment and other essential services. A Human Rights Act can help ensure that government decision-makers properly consider fundamental rights for refugees and people seeking asylum, such as:

• Equality and non-discrimination
• Access to healthcare
• Access to education
• Privacy and family life
• Housing and adequate living conditions
• Cultural rights and participation in community life

For people who are often excluded from legal protections or face additional barriers because of their migration status, stronger human rights protections can help create more transparent, accountable and compassionate decision-making.

Join us and raise your voice!

You do not need to be a lawyer or human rights expert to make a submission to the Committee.

The inquiry needs to hear from everyday people, community members and those with lived experience. Personal stories, experiences of accessing services, and reflections on why human rights matter to you, are all valuable contributions.

We particularly encourage people with lived experience of seeking asylum, and those who work or volunteer alongside these communities, to consider making a submission.

Submissions can be as short or as detailed as you wish. What matters most is sharing why human rights protections are important to you and your community.

• Head to the Human Rights for NSW campaign for guidance about making your submission.
• Lodge your submission with the Committee by 3 July 2026 here

Looking for some help?

If you are considering making a submission and would like guidance or support, please get in touch with us. We would be pleased to help connect community members with relevant resources and information.

Together, we can help ensure that the voices and experiences of refugees, people seeking asylum and migrant communities are heard in this important conversation about the future of human rights protection in NSW.

Other ways to take action

If you would like to support the campaign for a Human Rights Act for NSW, you can:

• Make a submission to the parliamentary inquiry before 3 July 2026.
• Sign up to receive campaign updates.
• Contact your local MP and let them know you support a Human Rights Act for NSW.

More information and resources are available through the Human Rights for NSW campaign.