PAULA COX:

While much fuss has surrounded the absence of sexual orientation from the list of protected grounds on the Human Rights Act, Ms Cox says that's just one of several omissions.

"I think it's wrong to discriminate against people for their sexual orientation, race, age — any number of things," she said.

"My background is as a lawyer: human rights is important to me.

"I do think we have to make sure we don't start singling out one area of discrimination, we also have to look at others."

She says the Act is currently being reviewed but, while she supports making amendments, it will ultimately be a decision for the Progressive Labour Party caucus.