The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby has elected a new committee of management for 2004-2005, including two new convenors, at the Annual General Meeting, held at ACON last Thursday night.

The new convenors, Julie McConnell and David Scamell, take over from retiring convenors, Somali Cerise and Rob McGrory, who have held the position for the past two years. Ms Cerise said: "The past year has been a busy and challenging time for the GLRL. Given the current political climate the next twelve months will be an important time for our community and the continued fight for equality".

Mr McGrory added: "Both Somali and I are confident that given both the experience and new skills being brought to this new committee, the GLRL will continue to be at the forefront of the community's fight for gay and lesbian rights".

The new committee includes: Julie McConnell (Female convenor), David Scamell (Male convenor), Jenny Mann (Secretary), Mark Barraket (Treasurer), Antonio Baca, Scott Carn, Frances Eden, Jhodi Kirk, Joel Mu, Paula Novotna, Anthony Schembri, Justin Scowen, Caitlin Spencer, Mark Walters and Georgina Whelan.

Ms Connell and Mr Scamell, who have backgrounds in Hospitality Management and Law respectively, have been involved in the Lobby for a number of years. Ms Connell was the Secretary in 2004, and has been a member of committee since 2003. Mr Scamell joined the committee in 2002, and was the Co-ordinator of the Lobby's 2004 Federal Election campaign.

The meeting, which was attended by close to 100 members and supporters, heard reports from the outgoing co-convenors about the activities of the lobby over the past year, as well as reports from the Treasurer, Secretary, Events Co-ordinator and Campaigns Co-ordinator. At the meeting the Lobby recognised the invaluable work of a number of supporters. Lobby awards were given to:

• Anne O'Grady, for her excellent work as a volunteer for the Lobby, particularly in regards to the Lobby's financial and office management
• Anthony Albanese, for his ongoing commitment and support of the community's fight for same-sex superannuation recognition
• Iris Group Productions, for their continued financial support to Lobby through funds provided from the annual Azure Party
• Don Baxter, for his long-term support of the Lobby, and in particular the campaign for an equal age of consent
• Cathie Fox, for her outstanding work as a former Treasurer of GLRL, handling both the Lobby's and the AVP's finances

Somali Cerise and Rob McGrory leave the GLRL, having overseen a number of major achievements in the fight for equality. Over the past two years these have included:

• Achieving an equal age of consent for gay men in NSW
• Forging ahead with the campaign for parenting reform.
• Achieving federal superannuation reform.
• Strongly opposing the Howard Government's attacks on our community.
• Continuing to promote the right of gays and lesbians to live their life without the fear of violence.

Newly elected female convenor, Julie McConnell, remarked about the plans for the new committee in 2005. She said: " In the next twelve months the Lobby will focus on ensuring that parenting reform takes place, along with the other remaining pieces of legal inequality at the State level. It will also be an important time for building strong relationships with key supporters in the Federal Government and Opposition, particularly given the PM's intention to re-introduce the ban on gay overseas adoption".

The new male convenor, David Scamell added: "With a new committee, the Lobby will have an opportunity to consult again with the community on what they believe are the important areas of reform.".