A new Advisory Group will lead more inclusive decision-making for and with LGBTIQA+ Victorians living with disability, with support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Equality Harriet Shing today joined JOY Radio to announce the LGBTIQA+ Disability Inclusion Expert Advisory Group will work to identify more inclusive policies that recognise a person's diverse identities and lived experiences.
The Advisory Group consists of seven members who will advise government on ideas and policies to improve the experiences, well-being and connection for LGBTIQA+ people living with disability.
Research has found that LGBTIQA+ people with disabilities often encounter unique access barriers within their local communities due to a lack of disability inclusion.
In addition, national surveys have shown LGBTIQA+ people with disability report substantially greater challenges and poorer outcomes than LGBTIQA+ people without disability, including higher rates of suicidal ideation, harassment and family violence.
LGBTIQA+ people with disability have an enormous untapped amount of expertise, lived experience and knowledge that will contribute to better outcomes right across the community. The Advisory Group will give greater prominence and visibility to intersectional LGBTIQA+ community members.
The Advisory Group will sit alongside the LGBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing and Justice working groups and work closely with the Victorian Disability Advisory Council to ensure that LGBTIQA+ Victorians' needs, challenges, and aspirations are part of the government's work to deliver Equality.
The Advisory Group's work will ensure the Labor Government's equality and disability initiatives are underpinned by genuine consultation, co-design, and collaboration with diverse Victorians.
The Labor Government's nation-leading Equality work is supporting all LGBTIQA+ Victorians so that they are safe, are healthy, have equal human rights and can live wholly and freely.
As stated by Minister for Equality Harriet Shing
"We know that within Victoria's diverse communities, LGBTIQA+ people with disability often face additional lifelong barriers, exclusion, and discrimination. This is something we are determined to change."
"The Advisory Group will ensure that the priorities and lived experience of LGBTIQA+ people with disability are at the centre of our work - which is exactly as it should be."
As stated by Acting Minister for Disability Ros Spence
"This new LGBTIQA+ disability advisory group will strengthen the diversity of voices advocating for people living with disability in our community and complements and contributes to the work of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council."
