Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Community Services and Development
Wear it Purple Day is an annual event that strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for young people, to acknowledge diversity and to be mindful of the need for an inclusive community.
The 2021 theme of "Start the conversation… Keep it going" is timely as the Tasmanian Government looks to the review of our Whole of Government Framework for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Tasmanians, which aims to ensure LGBTIQ+ Tasmanians are included and have equal access to Government programs and services.
I recently met with our Whole of Government LGBTQI+ Reference Group to start consultation regarding our new Framework.
The Framework will include important data gathered from a recent survey of LGBTIQ+ Tasmanians, funded by the Tasmanian Government and undertaken by the University of Tasmania - the biggest survey of the LGBTIQ+ community ever undertaken in Tasmania.
Our 2021 Budget includes an increase to our LGBTIQ+ Grants Program to $210,000 over three years to support community organisations to increase acceptance of diversity, access to services and participation for LGBTIQ+ Tasmanians.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to creating a confident and inclusive community where all people are treated fairly, and with respect and have an equal opportunity to engage, participate in and contribute to Tasmania's social, political, economic and cultural life.
This means supporting communities to recognise and treat all Tasmanians with dignity and respect – regardless of their relationship status, sexuality, gender identity or intersex characteristics.