The New South Wales Upper House has voted to hold a parliamentary inquiry into Redfern in light of the recent riot.

The Opposition motion was passed yesterday and will see the inquiry conducted by the Social Issues Committee, which is Government-dominated.

The Government sought to broaden the inquiry's scope to look at issues beyond policing, which Upper House Opposition leader Mike Gallacher says was welcomed.

"We've now been provided with an opportunity to give people the protection of the Parliament to come forward under oath and give evidence about the problems in Redfern," he said.

Earlier this week, Premier Bob Carr had rejected the idea of an inquiry, saying the problems were well known.