- Cook Government to develop WA's first LGBTQIA+ inclusion strategy
- $900,000 allocated to develop and implement strategy
- Whole-of-government strategy will promote wellbeing and ensure LGBTQIA+ people experience full social and economic participation
The Cook Government has committed $900,000 to develop a strategy to drive inclusiveness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) Western Australians.
Led by the Department of Communities, funding will be provided to three not-for-profit organisations over two years to support the development and implementation of the strategy. They are:
- Living Proud, which provides support to LGBTQIA+ people and communities in WA through peer support, information and resources;
- TransFolk of WA: a peer support service for transgender people and their loved ones in WA, informing, empowering and advocating for trans and gender diverse people to survive and thrive; and
- GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc (GRAI): a voluntary group that works to enhance quality of life for LGBTI elders, focusing on promoting the voices, expertise and lived experience of older LGBTI people to the wider community.
These organisations play vital roles in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in WA.
Additionally, an LGBTQIA+ peak body will be established and supported to implement the strategy.
Rainbow Futures WA, a consortium of WA-based LGBTQIA+ organisations and individuals has also advocated persuasively for this initiative and will be an important contributor to its development and implementation.
LGBTQIA+ people face significantly higher levels of discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion, which can contribute to deteriorating health, social and economic outcomes.
The strategy will support a coordinated approach through targeted support, strong partnerships and better integration between government agencies including the Departments of Communities, Education and Health and the Mental Health Commission.
Comments attributed to Youth Minister Hannah Beazley:
"Equality and freedom from discrimination are fundamental human rights that belong to all of us, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
"We know that young LGBTQIA+ people are far more likely to face discrimination and exclusion, which is completely unacceptable in 2024.
"The Cook Government is committed to creating equal opportunities for all West Australians, and this whole-of-government strategy will bolster our efforts to address discrimination ensuring LGBTQIA+ people in WA are given every chance to thrive and succeed."
Comments attributed to Community Services Minister Sabine Winton:
"This is an important step to ensure LGBTQIA+ people in WA benefit from a coordinated approach that will champion their interests now and into the future.
"The funding will allow the Department of Communities to work closely with non-government LGBTQIA+ groups to develop a framework that will reduce discrimination and promote equality."
Comments attributed to Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch:
"The Cook Government is committed to ensuring older Western Australians feel valued, safe and empowered to lead happy and fulfilling lives in age-friendly communities.
"Seniors make up 5.3 per cent of same-sex couples in Australia, which is why it's so important all seniors feel safe to be open about who they are.
"An inclusive community benefits everyone and a culture of inclusion leads to higher performance, productivity and improved well-being for all."
