The intention of the Human Rights (Housing) Amendment Bill 2025 is to amend the Human Rights Act 2004 in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to enshrine the right to adequate housing for everyone. This legislative change will be a first in Australia.

The bill proposes to insert a new section which will have an explicit statement that everyone has the right to adequate housing and that immediately realisable aspects of this right include:

• a) everyone is entitled to enjoy this right without discrimination;
• b) no-one may be unlawfully or arbitrarily evicted from their home; and
• c) no-one may have an essential utility service to their home unlawfully or arbitrarily withdrawn.

The Committee recommends that the ACT Legislative Assembly pass the Human Rights (Housing) Amendment Bill 2025.