Paul Hadfield-Jia
Recognised for his advocacy for rainbow families and his efforts to remove legal barriers for LGBTIQA+ people seeking to start or grow their families.
About this finalist
- Year: 2026
- Level: Finalist
- Award category: Community Award
About the 2026 nomination
For more than 5 years, Paul Hadfield-Jia has advocated for the human rights, equality, and recognition of rainbow families. He is a director and secretary of Rainbow Families Australia.
He led community advocacy for reforming WA's surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology laws after years of stalled change bringing the voices of rainbow families and the community directly to decision makers.
His advocacy highlighted laws that created discriminatory barriers to accessing surrogacy in WA, including for same sex couples, single men, transgender and intersex people, as well as the profound inequality faced by children born via international surrogacy, whose families had no equivalent pathway for legal recognition. At its heart, this was about equality and dignity, and ensuring children born through international surrogacy receive the same legal recognition and protection as other children.
Alongside law reform, Paul has helped build a stronger, more connected community through regular events and support, creating spaces where parents can connect and children can meet families like their own.
As a dad and husband, Paul's advocacy is deeply personal. He believes that every child deserves to grow up knowing their family is valued, recognised, and belongs.
About the Human Rights Awards
The Australian Human Rights Awards is an inspirational showcase of the best in all of us. The Awards honour and celebrate diverse human rights heroes and significant achievements in protecting and promoting human rights in Australia.