Why does NSW need a Charter of Human Rights?
• NSW has a robust system of democracy. A Charter of Human Rights would complement this system by protecting the very rights and values that underpin it. • Although most people in the community and Government respect human rights, many of the rights we take for granted have no protection under law. • Although some rights are protected by equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws, these laws are patchy and do not cover many areas of rights. For example, the right to vote, freedom of expression, the right not to be arbitrarily detained and the right to join a union and have access to collective bargaining are not clearly protected. • Human rights belong to all of us. A Charter of Human Rights is a form of democratic insurance that helps to keep the government accountable. • Human rights are about the fair treatment of individuals and are put in place to ensure that people are treated with dignity and respect. They are particularly important for people who suffer disadvantage. Human
