New bill important step in protecting right to housing

10 April 2025

The ACT Human Rights Commission welcomes a bill, to be introduced into the ACT Legislative Assembly, that would make housing a human right.

Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury will introduce a bill which would amend the Human Rights Act 2004 to include the right to adequate housing in the ACT’s human rights framework. The Commission was consulted on the bill.

Commission President and Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Pene Mathew said: “ We are pleased to see this bill being introduced, as the Commission has advocated for a right to housing to be included in an expanded ACT Human Rights Act for many years.

“The current housing crisis, the cost-of-living crisis and even the possible impact of recent international economic uncertainty on Australia, all underscore how precarious adequate and affordable housing has become for so many in our community.

“For Canberrans who do not have safe and adequate housing, many of the other fundamental rights protected in the Human Rights Act, are jeopardised. For example, women and children subjected to domestic violence may be forced to remain with or return to their abuser because they cannot secure adequate housing. The right to housing supports the rights to personal security and to life.

“When we talk about adequate housing, we are talking about more than just shelter – adequate housing means a home, which is prerequisite for other human rights; and it means the right to live somewhere in security, peace and dignity.

“We believe there is strong community support for strengthening existing legislative and policy protections for housing, by bringing the right to housing into the Human Rights Act.

“Introducing a right to housing also aligns with the election commitment of the current ACT Government. The Barr Government has committed to working towards implementing economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to housing.

“Incorporating this critical right in the Human Rights Act would cement the ACT’s leadership in this area, moving the Territory closer toward fully realising the right to adequate housing and a more comprehensive human rights framework,” Dr Mathew said.

The Commission's March 2025 submission on the bill is available on our website.

MEDIA
Christine Kearney M: 0466 861 451 humanrightsmedia@act.gov.au

Response to the Board of Inquiry’s final report into the ACT Criminal Justice System

We acknowledge the Board of Inquiry’s important work in facilitating public discourse about the criminal justice system.
Translating rights into child and youth-friendly language

Jodie and her team are currently visiting schools across the ACT to talk to students about human rights.
Commission welcomes pathway for human rights complaints

The Commission welcomes the introduction of legislation that provides for a new accessible complaints pathway about alleged breaches of human rights by public authorities in the ACT.
Specialised legal support for sexual assault victim-survivors welcomed

Victim Support Act and Women’s Legal Centre ACT have been selected to jointly run one of  three pilots across Australia, to provide a specialised and trauma-informed legal service for sexual assault victim-survivors.
View all news & events