FROM PRINCIPLES TO PRACTICE:
The Path to a NSW Human Rights Act
Yesterday marked a pivotal moment in BEING’s advocacy for a Human Rights Act in NSW. We hosted a sold-out event at Parliament House, bringing together legal luminaries, policymakers, and advocates to make one thing clear: human rights are not just abstract ideals – they are essential protections for our most vulnerable citizens.
Leading Voices for Change
We were privileged to hear from a powerhouse panel of experts who bridged the gap between legal theory and lived experience:
- Rosemary Kayess (Commonwealth Disability Commissioner): Argued powerfully for an Act that creates a level playing field for all citizens, ensuring equity regardless of ability.
- The Hon. Kevin Bell AO KC (former Victorian Supreme Court Judge) Shared his firsthand experience with Victoria’s human rights legislation and how it has materially improved the lives of those navigating mental health challenges. [Read his full speech here].
Political Leadership
Change can’t happen without political leadership and were proud to have cross-party representation at yesterday’s event.
- Dr. Amanda Cohn MLC, NSW Greens mental health spokesperson spoke about what human rights protections would mean for mental health, for a mental health system that has had crisis after crisis, and why a Human Rights Act is the solution.
- Member for Newtown, Jenny Leong MP (who recently tabled a Human Rights Bill) spoke passionately about how human rights protections matters, especially as Sydney grappled with the right to assembly this week.
- Minister Rose Jackson MLC recognised the importance of human rights to consumers, families, kin and carers and the need for having the strongest legal framework to respect rights, especially those in most need of it.
- The Hon. Susan Carter MLC, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health, provided critical perspectives and counterpoints. This highlights the need for an inquiry to get all perspectives out on the table.
From left: Kerry Weste (Chair, HRA4NSW Alliance), Giancarlo de Vera (CEO BEING -Mental Health Consumers), Jonathaon Harms (CEO Mental Health Carers NSW), Amanda Cohn MLC, Rosemary Kayess (Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Commissioner, seated), The Hon. Kevin Bell AO KC, Jenny Leong MLC, Ryan McLaughlin (Chair Wayahead), Sharon Grocott (CEO Wayahead.)
Why a Human Rights Act Matters
A Human Rights Act would “bake in” a foundation of rights that protects consumers where they are most at risk: in clinical settings, the workplace, and interactions with authority.
Beyond protection, it provides the legal leverage needed to demand accountability for consumer-centric, recovery-oriented mental health system: one that guarantees agency and control for every individual.
Join the Movement
This is a battle we can, and must, win together. To help you find your voice in this movement, we’ve launched an Advocacy Toolkit containing everything you need to build the pressure for legislative change.
Use it. Share it. Advocate passionately with it.
👉 Download the Advocacy Toolkit Here.
Thank you to those who attended in person and online. For those who missed out, we will provide a recording of yesterday’s event when it becomes available.
This event was proudly co-hosted by BEING – Mental Health Consumers, Wayahead, and Mental Health Carers NSW, with the support of the Human Rights Act for NSW Alliance. Special thanks to our Parliamentary Sponsor, Dr. Amanda Cohn MLC, for her support with hosting yesterday’s event.