September 2026
The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) strongly endorses the NSW Human Rights Bill, and fully supports the Bill’s recognition that human rights apply to all individuals, regardless of where one is born or their citizenship or residency status.
While many barriers faced by people seeking refugee protection arise from federal immigration and visa settings, RCOA highlights the important role of the NSW Government. Our submission recognises the positive steps already taken by NSW and calls for further measures to ensure people seeking refugee protection can access essential services through NSW public institutions. This includes equitable access to healthcare, housing, education, employment and community services, courts, legal assistance and the right to liberty and humane treatment for people held in immigration detention.
