Submission: Inquiry into the Human Rights (Housing) Amendment Bill 2025

ACTCOSS welcomed the opportunity to provide a submission to the Inquiry into the Human Rights (Housing) Amendment Bill 2025. We strongly support enshrining the right to adequate housing in the ACT Human Rights Act, recognising that the housing and homelessness crisis is fundamentally a human rights crisis.

This reform would reframe housing decisions through a human rights lens, advance equity for those most impacted, improve health and social outcomes, unify and strengthen existing housing laws and policies, and reinforce advocacy and accountability across the ACT housing system. It would also maintain the ACT’s leadership in human rights and deliver on the ACT Government’s commitment to progressively realise economic, social, and cultural rights.

In developing our submission, ACTCOSS collaborated with ACT Shelter to create and share submission templates with member organisations, making it easier for them to prepare their own submissions and amplify support for this vital reform.

Read our full submission to see our recommendations to strengthen the Bill’s intent and implementation.