As Sydney WorldPride kicks off, NSW's leading HIV and LGBTQ+ health organisation ACON has welcomed the first of what the organisation hopes will be a range of commitments ahead of the NSW Election on 25 March 2023.
Responding to the news that the Government will provide in principle support for legislation that will bring an end to harmful 'LGBTQ+ conversion practices', ACON welcomed bipartisan support from leaders within the Government and the opposition for this important reform.
Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Parkhill AM said "ACON and others who have been calling for this reform welcome the leadership of Alex Greenwich who said he would introduce a bill to end LGBTQ+ conversion practices – and to have both Dominic Perrottet and Chris Minns expressing their parties in principle support for the reform is a welcome first step towards improving the health and safety of LGBTQ+ people."
A ban and legislated powers to address LGBTQ+ conversion practices is one of a raft of commitments ACON and a coalition of partners are calling for ahead of the NSW election.
"NSW has much to be proud of but there is far more to do. Reform in key areas of health, governmental advisory structures, discrimination law reform and other commitments to strengthen community input are contained in a document put to all parties and key independents in the lead up to the Election," Mr Parkhill said.
"We are seeking an ongoing commitment to funding initiatives under the NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy over 5 years, the establishment of a cross-government strategy and advisory structures to support strategic engagement across portfolios, amendments to discrimination legislation in a range of areas, and continuation of support for our world leading approach to blood borne viruses, including HIV."
Released in December 2022, the NSW Election 2023: Candidates Questionnaire outlines 39 commitments to improve the health, human rights and safety of people in LGBTIQ+ communities. It was developed by a coalition of 9 organisations and is a key advocacy platform for key reforms in NSW.
Responses to the survey will be publicly available, and a community forum will be held ahead of the election, giving the major parties and independents an opportunity to engage with LGBTIQ+ voters directly.
Parkhill added: "Every Mardi Gras – and this year with Sydney WorldPride – is an important opportunity for political leaders to demonstrate that they understand we still have work to do to improve equity and safety for our communities."
"Sydney and other cities and towns around NSW are awash with rainbows which is wonderful to see, however we also need to acknowledge and amplify the reforms and commitments needed to ensure NSW can be proud of its record on LGBTIQ+ inclusion and equity."
