May 17 marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). No Australian should be discriminated against because of who they are or who they love.
We know that LGBTIQA+ people have unique and often complex health needs, and difficulty getting appropriate and respectful health care. Sadly, this can lead to poorer physical and mental health outcomes.
Too often healthcare does not meet the needs of LGBTIQA+ people and co-design with the community does not occur.
Investing a total of $22 million, Labor has made the largest ever investment in LGBTIQA+ health research by any Australian Government to push frontiers in inclusive healthcare and address discrimination.
At Sydney World Pride last year, the Labor Government announced $900,000 of funding to develop Australia's first ever 10 Year National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people.
This large piece of work has involved extensive consultation across the spectrum of the LGBTIQA+ community, including those at the margins who are often overlooked, or face intersecting forms of discrimination.
Labor has brought together a representative Expert Advisory Group (EAG) to guide the development and implementation of the Action Plan. The EAG includes experts and people from across the LGBTIQIA+ community and is chaired by Assistant Minister Ged Kearney.
A national community consultation process has been conducted across the country. At completion, there will have been 27 consultations, including in Alice Springs, Redfern, Melbourne and Hobart, and participation by all major LGBTIQA+ health organisations.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP:
"The Government is working shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTIQA+ community on this Action Plan so that we can support a health system that responds to and respects the diverse needs of the community."
"I want to acknowledge that too many LGBTIQA+ people have had bad experiences in the health system. From misgendering, inappropriate questions and assumptions or simply not feeling comfortable to disclose your sexuality. You deserve better."
Quotes attributable to Senator Louise Pratt, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends for Ending HIV, STIs and Blood Borne Viruses:
"I am proud to be part of a government firmly committed to combatting stigma and improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ Australians."
"I pay my respects and thanks to all those who have taken a stand against discrimination. You have moved laws, governments, religions, communities, hearts, and minds."
Quotes attributable to Dash Heath-Paynter, CEO, Health Equity Matters:
"The Albanese Government's Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people is an important recognition of the health disparities experienced by our communities. Through genuine partnership we can make significant strides forward."
"We are committed to working together to design and implement healthcare that reflects the needs of our communities and drives genuine improvement."
Quotes attributable to Professor Adam Bourne, Director, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University:
"It is exciting to see the first ever National LGBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing Action Plan take shape. It will advance health and wellbeing initiatives for a population that we know experiences considerable health disparities."
"The Action Plan comes on the back of a significant investment in LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing research. This will help ensure new initiatives are targeted and impactful and can bring about the positive change we really want to see for LGBTIQA+ people in Australia."
