The Law Society of NSW welcomes the indication by the Attorney General for NSW that his Government will 'engage in good faith' on a forthcoming private members bill to enact human rights legislation.
President of the Law Society Jennifer Ball said the introduction and passage of such legislation has the potential to assist in fostering social cohesion and provide more fairness and justice in the community.
"The Law Society has long advocated for standalone human rights legislation in Australia and NSW. If properly framed, such laws can lead to better decision-making across all branches of government. We look forward to engaging in consultation both on the drafting of the bill, and if it passes, on its implementation," Ms Ball said.
"The fragility of structures supporting human rights in NSW and Australia were placed in sharp focus by government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, when decisions on curfews and closed borders could not be properly tested in our courts. The time is now ripe to advance coherent and consolidated human rights legislation in NSW."
The Law Society's 2022 working paper Human rights legislation for NSW, captures the views of some of Australia's foremost thinkers on human rights, including former Premier Bob Carr, who had previously opposed a Charter of Rights.
