17 September 2025
Please attribute comments to Dr Penelope Mathew, Human Rights Commissioner, ACT Human Rights Commission. Note that there will be no further media comment or interviews, statement only.
The ACT Human Rights Commission welcomes a new law, passed today, which recognises housing as a human right.
The amendment to the Human Rights Act was introduced by Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury and passed with amendments by Labor.
Commission President and Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Pene Mathew said: “Incorporating the right to housing in the ACT’s human rights framework cements the Territory’s leadership in this area.
“It brings the ACT closer toward fully realising the right to adequate housing and a more comprehensive human rights framework for all Canberrans.
“Adequate housing is about more than just shelter. It is the right to live somewhere in security, peace and dignity. If people don’t have safe and stable housing, many other fundamental rights are at risk. For example, women and children may be forced to continue living with domestic violence if they cannot get safe alternative housing, as the right to housing supports the right to personal security and to life.
“We believe this new right could be used to advocate for and further strengthen the rights of tenants, occupants and the homeless.
“Community groups will be able to use it to provide feedback on housing strategies and frameworks, and in assessing future housing initiatives.
“Further, this development means all ACT government authorities will have to consider the right to housing when making decisions and developing policies.
“The Commission has advocated for inclusion of this right for many years, and is pleased to see the bill’s passage,” Dr Mathew said.
The new right will come into effect in January 2027.
The Commission's May 2025 submission on the bill is available on our website.
Media
Christine Kearney M 0466 861 451 humanrightsmedia@act.gov.au