Mr Wilson hosted a public forum at the Singleton Public Library last Thursday evening – and was pleased with the outcome.

“It was a great opportunity to meet people in Singleton and engage on human rights,” he told The Argus.

Singleton residents raised a range of issues from anti-discrimination laws and the impact on local hotels, free speech on the internet, and the tension between property rights and coal mining and farmers.

“What was clear is that people had real and genuine concerns about proper avenues to engage and consult about issues that impacted on their community and have their views heard and considered,” Mr Wilson said.

“It was impressive to see how much Singleton residents wanted a respectful and open discussion.”