Stephen Lawrence
ALP
NSW
Chair, Privileges Committee
Elected 2023
3 years
Member of NSW Legislative Council
NSW
Stephen was born in 1976 in Sydney. He grew up in Little Bay.
Stephen completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Government and Public Administration, from the University of Sydney in 1996, as well as a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws (International Law) from the Australian National University in 2000 and 2010 respectively. During his time at University, Stephen worked as a pearl farm labourer, hospitality worker, charity fundraiser, disability support worker and as a nursing assistant...
Committees
- State Development
- Premier and Finance
- Law and Justice
- Justice and Communities
- Privileges
- Animal Welfare
- NSW Reconstruction Authority
- Birth Trauma
- Planning and Environment
- Children and Young People
- Fertility Support and Assisted Reproductive Treatment
- Youth Justice
First Speech in Parliament
10 May 2023
# Aboriginal Rights # Social Justice # Public Health
Personal Background and Values
- Stephen Lawrence reflects on his family's long history in the Labor Party and the values instilled in him by his parents and grandparents, particularly their commitment to social justice and community support.
- He acknowledges the importance of family and community in shaping his identity and career path.
- His early experiences in a public hospital and his father's role in health administration inform his passion for public health and education.
Legal Career and Advocacy
- Lawrence discusses his 25-year journey in law, focusing on family violence, sexual assault, and his work with the Aboriginal Legal Service, highlighting systemic inequities in the justice system.
- He advocates for a comprehensive review of laws regarding drug regulation and the need for true justice reinvestment to tackle over-incarceration, especially among Aboriginal communities.
- His experience working on significant legal cases, including those involving marginalized communities, shapes his commitment to human rights and social equity.
Policy Goals and Future Agenda
- Lawrence expresses strong support for a Voice to Parliament and aims to address social inequities, particularly through land rights legislation and Aboriginal representation in politics.
- He plans to advocate for improvements in public health, education, infrastructure, and environmental protection, particularly in regional areas.
- Emphasises the need for a bipartisan approach to criminal justice reform and community safety, aiming to create a more equitable and just society.
FAQ
Latest Updates
In Parliament
Bills
Crimes and Summary Offences Amendment Bill 2025
New South Wales Parliament • Legislative Council • 4 June
Courts and Tribunals
AI Summary
- Emphasises the importance of the implied freedom of political communication in assessing the bill's constitutionality.
- Raises concerns that the bill could inadvertently empower extremist groups if struck down in court.
- Suggests the inclusion of an express purpose clause and clearer definitions to strengthen the bill and aid legal interpretation.
Bills
Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Amendment (Good Character) Bill 2026
New South Wales Parliament • Legislative Council • 4 June
Courts and Tribunals
AI Summary
- Supports the bill as a necessary reform to the criminal justice system, emphasising the importance of scrutinising sentencing law.
- Rejects the notion that the bill will prevent courts from considering relevant evidence of a person's prior conduct and character in relation to rehabilitation and reoffending.
- Argues against allowing extraneous good character evidence to influence sentencing, citing that it does not pertain to assessing future risk or moral culpability.
Social Media
Posted on Facebook • 16 June 2026
Health
Posted on Facebook • 16 June 2026
Health Health Sector Mental Health Budget
