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Joint media release: Parliamentary inquiry into Human Rights Act for South Australia

Human Rights joint media release

South Australia is one step closer to a Human Rights Act, with the Social Development Committee of the South Australian Parliament committing to holding a parliamentary inquiry into the potential for the state to adopt such a law.

The announcement comes on Human Rights Day and exactly one year after a group of more than 150 organisations and experts endorsed a joint statement calling on the SA Government to inquire into a Human Rights Act for South Australia.

The move to establish an inquiry has been applauded by the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS), the Rights Resource Network of South Australia (RRNSA) and Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR), who led the joint statement.

Dr Sarah Moulds, Director, Rights Resource Network SA:

“We commend the Parliament for establishing this Inquiry to examine how we can improve human rights protections across our state.

Despite our proud history as a leader in protecting democratic freedoms, South Australian’s basic rights remain largely unprotected under existing legislation, leaving us lagging behind other jurisdictions.

The Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Queensland have already enshrined human rights in Acts of Parliament. These laws are returning dignity and power to everyday people, and helping government officials to make fair and caring decisions. South Australians deserve a similar framework as we tackle big challenges like the housing crisis, domestic violence, equitable timely access to healthcare and inclusive education for all children.

Holding a public inquiry into a human rights law for South Australia gives everyone in our state the chance to join the conversation and help design a law that meets the needs of our many different communities.”

Natalie Wade, ALHR Chair of Disability Rights:

“Current South Australian laws and policies provided the backdrop to the confronting cases of abuse and neglect against people with disabilities like Anne-Marie Smith.

Human rights must drive the work of our government and its agencies, from the development of laws and policies, through to the daily government decisions that directly impact our everyday lives. South Australians deserve to be able to obtain affordable, accessible solutions for justice if their human rights are breached.”.

Ross Womersley, CEO, South Australian Council of Social Service

“We know South Australians want to live in a society that strives for the values we hold most dear: justice, equality and a ‘fair go’ for all. This is what a Human Rights Act for SA could deliver.”

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08 8305 4222

sacoss@sacoss.org.au

Marjorie Black House
47 King William Road Unley SA 5061

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.