LGBTQI+ group calls for their own voice-like council to advise government on issues facing gay and trans people
- LGBTQI+ groups demand their own advisory body in NSW
- Equality Australia leading the call for better representation
Sydney‘s LGBTQI+ community has demanded the NSW Labor government deliver on its promise to set up an advisory body for issues specific to gay and transgender people.
A renewed bid for better representation for LGBTQI+ groups in NSW follows the establishment of the landmark Faith Affairs Council this month.
The council, established this month, will play a direct advisory role to the NSW government concerning faith-related issues, programs, and policies. It will be made up of representatives from a diverse range of religious faiths.
Now Equality Australia legal director Ghassan Kassisieh has called on NSW Premier Chris Minns to deliver on his commitment to forming an LGBTQI+ specific council.
Mr Kassisieh said almost every other state and territory already had a process in place that allowed the government to better engage with LGBTQI+ groups.
‘All groups deserve to be heard by the government on matters affecting their lives, including people of faith, LGBTQI+ people and those of us who belong to both groups,’ Mr Kassisieh told Daily Mail Australia.
‘The Minns Government committed to doing the same at the last election with an LGBTIQ+ advisory council and a whole-of-government LGBTIQ+ inclusion strategy.’
Equality Australia legal director Ghassan Kassisieh is pushing for an LGBTQI+ advisory body following the creation of the NSW Faith Affairs Council this month
LGBTQI+ groups in NSW have called for their own advisory body to help guide the government on issues specific gay and transgender residents
Mr Kassisieh said the state could achieve better outcomes if the LGBTQI+ community had direct input on the policies that affect their lives.
‘We look forward to the NSW government honouring its commitment and developing a strategy to cover service delivery across all areas of government, from health care and education to housing and justice, to address the needs and improve the lives of LGBTIQ+ people,’ he said.
Government leader in the Legislative Council Penny Sharpe confirmed the state was still committed to establishing an LGBTQI+ council.
‘The government remains committed to establishing an LGBT advisory council and we will be working closely with community advocates from across our state as we work to deliver it,’ she said.
Independent MP Alex Greenwich has welcomed the initiative, which he says would promote better engagement with LGBTQI+ organisations across NSW.
Independent MP Alex Greenwich has welcomed the initiative, which would see government ministers work closely with LGBTQI+ organisations across NSW