As the election is called, the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (VGLRL) and New South Wales Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (NSW GLRL) have outlined the issues that they are focussing on this election campaign.
The two lobby groups are working with other community organisations on a joint campaign on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) rights in the lead up to the federal election.
“For the health, wellbeing and safety of our communities, It’s paramount that we ensure LGBTI issues are among the top of the agenda this federal election,” said NSW GLRL Co-Convenor Lauren Foy.
“Now is the chance for us to show federal politicians the increasing number of voters that include equality for LGBTI people in deciding how they vote,” said NSW GLRL Co-Convenor Chris Pycroft.
The VGLRL conducted a community survey during this year’s Midsumma Carnival, which will influence the lobbying efforts in the lead up to the election.
Youth
One of the lobby groups’ key election asks will be taking action to reduce high of violence and harassment against LGBTI students and ensuring that young LGBTI people feel safe at school.
“The attacks on Safe Schools are clearly having an impact. LGBTI Victorians ranked mental health and safe schooling as issues of high importance to them in our community survey. We will calling for all parties to take steps to combat homophobia, biphobia and transphobia occurring in schools,” said VGLRL Co-Convenor Rachael Hambleton.
“The mental health and wellbeing of LGBTI young people should not be a political football,” said VGLRL Co-Convenor Sean Mulcahy.
Engagement
Another key ask of the parties will be to increase engagement with the LGBTI community through a Commissioner with specific responsibility for LGBTI rights, a party spokesperson on issues relating to the LGBTI equality, and a whole-of-government LGBTI Ministerial Advisory Group.
“In the current political climate, there is a demonstrable need for a Commissioner with specific responsibility for LGBTI rights. Here in Victoria, the Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality is making strong inroads in helping Government and private organisations to be more inclusive and understanding of the needs of LGBTI people. We believe this is a model the federal parties should consider adopting,” said VGLRL Co-Convenor Sean Mulcahy.
Equality and non-discrimination
“It is concerning that despite advances in policing and anti-discrimination protections, LGBTI Victorians in our community survey still consider discrimination, harassment and hate speech to be an issue of high importance,” said VGLRL Co-ConvenorRachael Hambleton.
The lobby groups are calling on parties to remove certain exemptions from anti-discrimination laws, including provisions affecting trans and intersex sportspeople.
“Discrimination and vilification has been identified by LGBTI people as an issue of concern in New South Wales, with many exemptions still in place. This election is an opportunity for political leaders to demonstrate their commitment to equality before the law,” said NSW GLRL Co-Convenor Chris Pycroft.
Health and ageing
Research shows that LGBTI people can have poor mental health outcomes. The lobby groups are calling for action to address the mental health of LGBTI people, including the provision of ongoing funding for the national LGBTI telephone support helpline, Q-Life.
“A national, co-ordinated approach is needed to address the heath needs of LGBTI Australians, particularly the needs of older LGBTI people,” said NSW GLRL Co-Convenor Lauren Foy.
Relationship recognition and marriage equality
The lobby groups continue to call on the parties to reject a public vote on marriage equality and address this matter through a vote of the Parliament.
“70% of LGBTI Australians do not support a national vote on marriage equality. It is unnecessary, costly and potentially harmful to young or vulnerable LGBTIQ people and their families,” said NSW GLRL Co-Convenor Chris Pycroft.
#EnrolForEquality
With the electoral rolls to close soon, the lobby groups are urging the LGBTI community to Enrol for Equality.
“With an early federal election looking increasingly likely, it’s important that all LGBTI people – especially those who have or are about to turn 18 – enrol to vote,” said VGLRL Co-Convenor Sean Mulcahy.
“By enrolling now and making sure those around you are enrolled too, you can help us show the Government that Australians everywhere believe in fairness and equality for LGBTI people – and will vote for it,” said VGLRL Co-Convenor Rachael Hambleton.
Community members can enrol online at aec.gov.au/enrol. Further information is available here.
