Anti-Discrimination Act review

The Attorney General has asked the Law Reform Commission to review the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) (ADA). The terms of reference set out the scope of the review.

A short video on our home page explains our role and how you can get involved.

Update: consultation paper released

We’ve released the first consultation paper (PDF, 2.2 MB) in our review of the ADA. This paper focuses on the conduct prohibited by the ADA, including discrimination, vilification, sexual harassment and victimisation.

We ask if any of these aspects of the ADA should change and, if so, how?

We've also released:

A Community Summary (PDF, 407.1 KB) of the consultation paper. This summarises the key issues, concerns and some ideas for reform.
An Easy Read consultation paper (PDF, 3.9 MB). This contains simple language and pictures to help make information easier to understand. It also asks basic questions about the ADA.

Word versions are available under key documents, below.

How to have your say

We’d like to hear your views about the ADA. You can:

complete our community survey on the ADA
make a submission in response to the issues and questions raised in our consultation paper
answer the questions in our Easy Read consultation paper.

The due date is 15 August 2025.

Please email your submissions and responses to the Easy Read questions to: ADAreview@dcj.nsw.gov.au.

Our guide to making a submission and our privacy and information management policy has more information on submissions.

You can access our survey online. If you prefer, Word and PDF versions are available under key documents, below.

Next steps

We’ll gather feedback through submissions, the survey, the Easy Read responses and consultations.

After this stage of consultation closes, we’ll release a second consultation paper. This will consider the procedures for enforcing the ADA, such as complaint processes and other options for addressing unlawful conduct. We'll also invite submissions on these issues.

You might also like to read a summary of the typical steps in our review process.

Content warning and support services

This review deals with content, concepts and language that some people may find distressing. This includes discrimination, sexual harassment, and vilification (including hate speech).

If you need support, there are some free services you can contact. These include:

Beyond Blue

Call support services on 1300 22 4636.

Beyond Blue is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to reduce the impact of anxiety, depression and suicide in Australia. Learn more at Beyond Blue's website.

Lifeline

Call the 24-hour crisis line on 13 11 14 or talk to a support person online at Lifeline Crisis Chat.

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Learn more at Lifeline's website.