This has been a year of significant change for Anti-Discrimination NSW (ADNSW) as we continued to administer the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) and launched the administration of a new civil complaints scheme under the Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024 (NSW). This was also a year of sadness due to the passing of ADNSW’s Immediate Past President, Helen McKenzie.
I was appointed acting President of the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW on 10 March 2025, following Helen’s resignation on 6 March 2025. During her time as President, Helen provided strong leadership through a time of significant change. Helen’s contributions leave a lasting legacy and will be remembered with great respect.
This year, we focused on ensuring support is accessible when it’s needed most. We continued to respond to community enquiries and complaints, while also contributing to important legislative and policy reforms that support fairness and inclusion across NSW. We also continued to raise awareness of our free services, available to anyone in NSW who has experienced discrimination, sexual harassment, vilification or victimisation.
In April 2025, the Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024 (NSW) came into force, creating a civil complaints scheme which is administered by ADNSW. These new laws ban LGBTQA conversion practices which seek to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. I was honoured to be involved in the momentous event at NSW Parliament House and proud to see ADNSW launch a suite of resources which includes a webpage, an animated explainer video, FAQs, an Easy Read guide and information in community languages.
I was pleased to see that the NSW Law Reform Commission’s review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) progressed with the release of the first consultation paper and community survey in May 2025. This review is an opportunity to reflect on the experience of almost 50 years of anti-discrimination law in NSW to ensure the new or updated Act mirrors best practice, delivers genuine and effective solutions for people experiencing discrimination, and improves equality of opportunity for all people in NSW.
ADNSW continued to work closely with anti-discrimination and human rights bodies across Australia through our membership of the Australian Council of Human Rights Authorities (ACHRA). In October 2024, ACHRA met in Canberra to discuss our shared priorities and challenges. A key outcome of this meeting was a renewed and united commitment to supporting both a national Human Rights Act and the National Anti-Racism Framework. ACHRA met again in April 2025 to discuss issues of common concern.
ADNSW was honoured to sponsor the Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year at this year’s Premier’s Harmony Dinner, held in March 2025. The Premier’s Harmony Dinner recognises the significant contributions made by multicultural leaders across the state and celebrates NSW as one of the most culturally diverse states in the world.
Although my time with ADNSW is for a relatively short period, there are many people I’d like to thank. I’m grateful to the ADNSW Board for their enthusiasm, dedication and support. I’d like to acknowledge our acting Director, Mia Zahra, for her thoughtful leadership during a year that brought both challenges and achievements. My thanks also go to the leadership team and all ADNSW staff for their hard work and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable people across NSW. I also extend my appreciation to the NSW Attorney General, the Hon. Michael Daley MP, for his continued support.
I’ll be completing my term as acting President once an ongoing appointment is made, but in the meantime, I remain fully committed to continuing our work toward a discrimination-free NSW.
Chris D’Aeth
A/President
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