TAS LGBTIQA+ LEADERS WELCOME BUDGET FUNDING / URGE FURTHER INVESTMENT IN RELIEVING LGBTIQA+ DISADVANTAGE

LGBTIQA+ community leaders have welcomed $250,000 over two years for the Tasmanian LGBTIQA+ Action Plan announced in last week’s State Budget.

But they say it is not enough to deal with LGBTIQA+ discrimination and mental health risk.

Equality Tasmania spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians experience much higher than average levels of discrimination and stigma which leads in turn to worse employment, education, housing and mental health outcomes.” 

“We welcome the State Government’s commitment to address these disadvantages through the development of a Tasmanian LGBTIQA+ Action Plan.”

“We will continue to advocate for the Action Plan to deal as comprehensively as possible with the hurdles and barriers still faced by LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians.”

Working It Out CEO, Dr Lynn Jarvis, said,

“We welcome the State Government’s commitment to LGBTIQA+ well-being.”

“The ‘Telling Us the Story’ report, which the Action Plan will be based on, recommended a dedicated LGBTIQA+ mental health service, and further training of health workers, police and teachers in LGBTIQA+ inclusion.”

“We will work with the State Government to make this happen.”

“Telling us the Story” is based on the largest survey of the Tasmanian LGBTIQA+ community ever conducted. The survey was commissioned by the current State Government and conducted by the University of Tasmania. It forms the basis of the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan, currently being developed. “Telling us the Story” can be found here: https://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/247147/LGBTIQ-Tasmanians-Telling-Us-the-Story-Survey-Report-May-2022.pdf

For a copy of this statement on the web, click here

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 or Lynn Jarvis on 0408 265 045.

TAS LOWER HOUSE SUPPORTS FINANCIAL REDRESS FOR VICTIMS OF FORMER LAWS AGAINST HOMOSEXUALITY AND CROSS DRESSING

Last night the Tasmanian Parliament’s Lower House passed the nation’s first financial redress scheme for those convicted under former laws against homosexuality and cross-dressing.

The scheme was introduced by Greens’ leader, Rosalie, Woodruff, and supported by Labor and independent MPs, during debate on Liberal Government legislation updating the state’s legislation allowing criminal records for homosexuality and cross-dressing to be expunged from outward-facing government records.

Equality Tasmania spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“The redress scheme is long overdue recognition of the trauma and suffering of those people convicted for being who they were. “

“Often they lost jobs, family and community, with many leaving the state and some taking their own lives.”

“Financial redress for historic gay convictions is available in some European countries but this is the first time in Australia.”

“Tasmania was the last state to decriminalise homosexuality and the only state to criminalise cross-dressing, so it is appropriate we are leading the nation and we hope other states will follow.”

“We thank Greens’ leader, Rosalie Woodruff, for championing this amendment as well as her Green colleagues, Labor and cross-bench independents for strongly supporting it.”

The redress scheme was recommended by a review of the expungement legislation and has been advocated by Equality Tasmania and other groups including the Tasmanian Council of Social Services and Civil Liberties Tasmania.

The Government did not support the redress scheme but its bill updating 2017 expungement legislation widens the definition of crimes that can be expunged to include crimes, such as resisting arrest for homosexuality and cross-dressing, which would not have occurred if homosexuality or cross-dressing had not been illegal.

The bill also provides for greater promotion of the expungement scheme.

Homosexuality was decriminalised in Tasmania in 1997 and cross-dressing in 2000. Tasmania’s cross-dressing laws were disprortionately enforced against transgender women. 

The bill now goes to the state’s Upper House.

A photo of Rosalie Woodruff and Rodney Croome with the redress amendment outside the Tasmanian Lower House is attached. 

For a copy of this statement on the web, click here

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

Tas left behind on conversion as SA moves ahead

PM responds to Wilkie question with promise of anti-violence bill

Equality Tasmania has warned that Tasmania risks being the last state to ban conversion practices after the South Australian Government released its draft conversion bill today.

Spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“When South Australia’s conversion ban passes, the only states without such bans will be Western Australia and Tasmania.”

“We urge Tasmanian law-makers to make banning conversion practices a priority so that our state does not become a haven for conversion practitioners tornw out of the other states.”

Mr Croome went on to welcome Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese’s, commitment to legislation making it a criminal offence to urge violence against LGBTIQA+ Australians.

The commitment came in response to a question from Tasmanian Independent MP for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, in question time this afternoon.

Mr Wilkie asked what the Government intends to do to prevent LGBTIQA+ vilification and human rights abuses (for text, see below).

Mr Croome said,

“We welcome Mr Albanese’s commitment to extending existing federal criminal laws against incitement to violence so they protect LGBTIQA+ people along with other groups vulnerable to violence.”

“But this will not protect us from incitement to hatred in the way other groups currently are.”

“We call on the Albanese Government to extend existing vilification protections in federal discrimination law so LGBTIQA+ people are protected from incitement to hatred as well as incitement to violence.”

Mr Wilkie also asked about the appointment of an LGBTIQA+ Equality Minister and Human Rights Commissioner. Mr Albanese did not committed to either.

“We thank Mr Wilkie for asking the question and for keeping Parliament focussed on equal protections for LGBTIQA+ Australians”, Mr Croome said.

Andrew Wilkie’s question to the Prime Minister, 10.9.24

Prime Minister, in defending the Census debacle the Deputy PM said “we’ve seen how divisive debates have played out across our country and the last thing we want to do is inflict that debate on a sector of our community right now.”

So Prime Minister, if your Government is so concerned about divisive debates, will you enact comprehensive vilification protections and appoint an LGBTIQA+ Equality Minister and Human Rights Commissioner?

For a copy of this statment on the web, click here

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668

LAUNCESTON COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY VOTES FOR LGBTIQA+ CONSULTATION AND ACTION PLAN

Originally published Thursday June 13th 2024

Equality Tasmania has applauded the Launceston City’s Council’s unanimous decision to work with the local LGBTIQA+ community to foster greater inclusion and equity.

The Council today heard from LGBTIQA+ community members who talked about continued discrimination and the positive role the Council can play in challenging that discrimination. Council then voted unanimously for a motion sponsored by Cr Andrea Dawkins. and seconded by Cr Lindi McMahon, that commits the Council to consult with the LGBTIQA+ community and develop an Action Plan.

In what became quite an emotional meeting, all councillors spoke in support of the motion, some cried and some apologised for the pain and trauma experienced by the LGBTIQA+ community in the past.  

Local LGBTIQA+ community member and Equality Tasmania board member, Joseph McLennan, said,

“We welcome the Council’s decision because it will send the message that LGBTIQA+ people are an integral and valued part of the Launceston community.”

“This is a step towards healing for the entire Launceston community from the wounds inflicted by historic LGBTIQA+ discrimination.”

“The decision means the City of Launceston will be a leader on LGBTIQA+ inclusion in Northern Tasmania.”

Local LGBTIQA+ community member and fellow Equality Tasmania board member, Eddie Kidd, said,

“I’m very happy the motion was passed unanimously and so proud of Launceston.”

“It will be immensely beneficial for young LGBTIQA+ people in Launceston and across Northern Tasmania to see the Council stand up and support us.”

“We thank Councillor Dawkins for tabling the motion and we look forward to working with the Council to conduct a consultation and develop an Action Plan.”

Local businessman and LGBTIQA+ community member Brad Cullen was there with his partner Tim. Brad said,

“It was difficult to speak about some of the discrimination I’ve experienced, but clearly our personal stories made a difference to some councillors.”

“I’m really glad Launceston council has taken this important step towards a more inclusive and less discriminatory future.”

Cr Andrea Dawkins said,

“Today we made a step forward toward being a visibly proud, allied council, embracing our diverse community and moving forward together.”

“The sobering stories of the lived experience of those from our community who spoke moved Launceston Councillors to action today.”

A photo of (left to right) Brad, Joseph and Eddie outside the Launceston Town Hall after the motion was passed is attached.

For a copy of this statement on the web, click here

For more information contact Brad Cullen on 0423 530 487, Joseph McLennan on 0451 662 144, Eddie Kidd on 0478 185 067 or Andrea Dawkins on 0438 346 445.

Financial redress sought for historical anti-LGBTIQA+ convictions

The Tasmanian Government has ignored calls to provide financial redress for people convicted under the state’s former laws against homosexuality and cross-dressing, prompting Equality Tasmania to say it will seek a redress provision when the bill is debated.

The Government today introduced a bill updating 2017 legislation that allows people convicted under Tasmania’s former laws against homosexuality and cross-dressing to erase (a.k.a. expunge) their criminal record.

The bill implements almost all the recommendations of the 2020 Independent Review of the 2017 legislation, including expanding the scope of the erasable crimes, but ignores the Review’s recommendation for a financial redress.

Equality Tasmania spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians arrested under our old laws, endured gaol, fines, loss of jobs, stigma, discrimination and trauma.”

“It is only fair they should have financial redress for the financial disadvantage and emotional pain they experienced.”

“We will seek an amendment to this bill to ensure financial justice for those who were charged and convicted under our old laws just because of who they were.”

The Government has previously said those who successfully apply to erase a criminal record can then apply to the Treasurer for an ex gratia payment.

But Mr Croome said,

“People who have already successfully applied to have their record erased shouldn’t have to apply again, and redress should not be a gift from the Government but a right of victims.”

The Government has also noted no other state offers redress.

“Tasmania has a responsibility to lead the nation on this reform because we were the last state to decriminalise homosexuality and the only state to criminalise cross-dressing, with both laws leaving a terrible legacy”, Mr Croome said.

“Redress is offered in a number of other countries including Germany, France and the UK.”

Equality Tasmania welcomed the Government’s decision to act on the Independent Review’s other recommendations, including expanding the scope of erasable crimes to include crimes, such as resisting arrest, which would not have occurred had arrests not been made on the basis of homosexuality or cross-dressing.

For a copy of the 2020 Independent Review: 

https://www.justice.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/711308/Final-Report-Expungement-of-Historical-Offences-Act-2017.pdf

For this statement on the web, click here

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

***

Guy Barnett, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
1 August 2024

Improving the operation of the expungement of historical offences scheme

The Tasmanian Government has today tabled its Bill amending the Expungement of Historical Offences Act 2017. 

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett, said the amendments would provide better support to affected persons and clarify the law in relation to expungement of relevant and appropriate historical convictions.

“We’ve acted on the recommendations of the Independent Review of Expungement of Historical Offences Act 2017 undertaken by Ms Melanie Bartlett and Ms Taya Ketelaar-Jones in 2020,” the Attorney-General said. 

“We’re expanding the scheme to provide that related offences are also eligible for expungement, further supporting a victim-centred approach to investigations, improving measures to support effective record disposal and confidentiality of records for all parties, including specifically exempting applications, investigation material and determinations from the Right to Information Act 2009.

“The Expungement of Historical Offences Act 2017 provides a scheme to enable charges and convictions for historical offences to be expunged. 

“It also allows a person charged with a historical offence to make a confidential application to the Secretary of the Department of Justice to have a relevant charge or conviction removed from their criminal record.

“I am incredibly proud of contemporary Tasmania and who we are today, and as we continue to deliver our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, I want to see it continue to succeed.” 

The Tasmanian Government introduced the expungement scheme as an important step forward in addressing previous laws that were unfair and unjust for many people in the community who endured disadvantage, discrimination and stigma. 

The Bill tabled today contains important changes to improve the operation of the Scheme and the Government will continue to update the legislation where necessary to ensure it is consistent with our community’s expectations and contemporary legislative processes.

EQUALITY TASMANIA WELCOMES SCHOOL BIAS INQUIRY

Equality Tasmania has welcomed a new inquiry into discrimination and bullying in Tasmanian schools.

The inquiry was proposed by Independent, Kristie Johnston, and supported by Parliament without dissent.

Equality Tasmania President, Rowan Richardson, said,

“We welcome the inquiry because we regularly receive complaints of discrimination and bullying against LGBTIQA+ students and teachers.”

“This is consistent with recent national research showing school yard bullying is worse in Tasmania than any other state.”

“Although Tasmania has strong laws against discrimination in education, the state clearly has a long way to go before these laws are respected and abided by.”

During debate on the motion, Labor equality spokesperson, Ella Haddad, read out distressing stories of discrimination against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanian teachers and students.

Other supporters of the inquiry include Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Sarah Bolt, the Australian Education Union, Concerned Catholics of Tasmania, Disability Voices Tasmania and A Fairer World.

For more on bullying in Tasmanian schools: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/australias-worst-state-for-schoolyard-bullying-and-how-we-compare-to-the-world/6dj396brd

For a copy of this statement on the web, click here

For more information contact Rowan Richardson on 0466 847 505 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

EQUALITY TASMANIA RELEASES RESULTS OF ELECTION SURVEY

Ahead of Saturday’s state election, Equality Tasmania has released a summary of the LGBTIQA+ commitments from the three main Tasmanian parties (below).

Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“All three parties have made commitments to funding for LGBTIQA+ services.”

“They also oppose bans on drag story time and LGBTIQA+ books, and oppose an inquiry into life-saving treatments for young trans and gender diverse people.”

“Labor and the Greens have gone further by committing to an LGBTIQA+ commissioner, financial redress for those convicted under our former anti-LGBTIQA+ laws, an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act, an LGBTIQA+ mental health service, better hate crime laws and a ban on unnecessary surgeries on intersex kids.”

“All three parties have an in-principle commitment to banning conversion practices but the Liberal’s bill unveiled last year is so full of exemptions it fails to fulfill that commitment.”

Mr Croome said there are more openly LGBTIQA+ candidates in this state election than ever before.

They include Labor’s Ben Dudman in Lyons, Stuart Benson in Clark and Toby Thorpe in Franklin, the Greens Damien Briggs in Braddon, Lauren Ball in Bass and Jade Darko in Franklin, and independents like Martine Delaney in Franklin.

“Tasmania has not had an openly-LGBTIQA+ state or federal MP since 2021. Hopefully, that drought will end on Saturday.”

A copy of the summary is attached. For responses to Equality Tasmania’s survey from parties and independents go to: https://equalitytasmania.org.au/election2024/

An article about the parties’ commitments is attached. 

For a copy of this statement on the web, click here

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

LIBS PROMISE $500,000 FOR LGBTIQA+ COMMUNITY SERVICES

Equality Tasmania and Working It Out have welcomed the Liberal Party’s announcement of $500,000 for LGBTIQA+ services, community grants, policy development and an Action Plan.

The announcement was made yesterday as part of the Party’s Supporting Stronger Communities policy.

Working It Out acting CEO, Andrew Badcock, said,

“We welcome this announcement because the support, education, and advocacy services provided by Working It Out are chronically underfunded.”

“LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians face above average levels of mental ill-health, housing risk and workplace discrimination due to stigma and prejudice.”

“An increase to funding like this will provide greater certainty and capacity to meet demand, and help ensure more state-wide programs remain available for LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians and their families.”

Equality Tasmania spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“It is welcome to see the Liberal Party recognise the need to remove discrimination and stigma against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians.”

“The funding will help us make the case for improved services by highlighting the many problems ther LGBTIQA+ community continues to face due to discrimination.”

“Through the LGBTIQA+ community grants program, the funding will provide a diverse range of LGBTIQA+ community groups with some of the resources they need to provide support and change attitudes.” 

Both the Labor and Green parties have already promised unprecedented funding boosts for LGBTIQA+ support services, policy-making, education and advocacy, including in areas like mental health.

Their LGBTIQA+ policy commitments, plus those of the Liberal Party, can be found here:

https://equalitytasmania.org.au/election2024/

Our statement on Labor’s policy can be found here.

Our statement on the Greens’ policy can be found here.

The Liberal’s funding announcement can be found here: 

https://tas.liberal.org.au/supporting-stronger-communities

For a copy of this statement on the web, click here

For more information contact Andrew Badcock on 0400 884 149 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

NSW CONVERSION BAN HIGHLIGHTS FLAWS IN TASMANIAN BILL

Equality Tasmania says a NSW Government ban on conversion practices, introduced today, highlights flaws in the bill unveiled by the Tasmanian Liberal Government in December. 

Spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“The NSW legislation is a stark contrast to the weak and self-defeating legislation unveiled by the Tasmanian Liberal Government last year.”

“The NSW bill has none of the loopholes of the Tasmanian bill that will allow conversion practices to continue, and unlike the Tasmanian bill the NSW law makes provision for the kind of education programs that help stop those practices.”

“We urge the Liberal Party to redraft its bill in the light of NSW’s legislation, and we urge whichever party that forms government after the March 23rd Tasmanian election to introduce an effective ban as quickly as possible.”

“With other states moving ahead on this reform Tasmania risks becoming a haven for conversion practitioners from interstate.”

Labor and the Greens have both committed to introduce comprehensive legislation based on the expert recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute as soon as possible after the election.

For more on the NSW bill: 

https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/nsw-government-introduces-laws-to-ban-harmful-lgbtq-conversion-practices

The Liberal, Labor and Greens’ responses to Equality Tasmania’s election survey can be found here: 

https://equalitytasmania.org.au/election2024/

For a copy of this statement on the web, click here

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

LGBTIQA+ GROUPS WELCOME LABOR’S ELECTION PLAN

Representatives of the LGBTIQA+ community have welcomed Labor’s Plan for LGBTIQA+ Equality unveiled today by equality spokesperson, Ella Haddad.

The Labor plan includes

– a minister for equality

– an effective ban on conversion practices, working with community on a model

– funding for services, support and advocacy, including almost $100,000 per year for Working It Out and $300,000 for Equality Tasmania

– delivery of an LGBTIQA+ Action Plan

– work towards a dedicated LGBTIQA+ health and mental health service

– new protections against hate crime

– financial redress for those who have historical gay and trans criminal convictions expunged

Working It Out CEO, Lynn Jarvis, said,

“We welcome Labor’s plan because it will improve health and welling outcomes for Tasmania’s LGBTIQA+ community.”

“It also builds on the current Liberal Government’s work to develop an LGBTIQA+ Action Plan and Framework and the current Government’s funding for LGBTIQA+ services and advocacy.”

“Having an Equality Minister will also mean advocacy at the highest level for the needs of the LGBTIQA+ community.”

Equality Tasmania spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“This is the most comprehensive LGBTIQA+ election policy Tasmanian Labor has ever presented because it covers law reform, services, representation and setting long-term goals.”

“Labor’s plan for an effective ban on conversion practices, better hate crime laws and financial redress for historic convictions are very welcome, as is its commitment to funding Equality Tasmania so we can advocate for LGBTIQA+ people in need”

“Most Tasmanians want our island to be friendly, open, equitable and inclusive, and it’s heartening to see Labor recognise this aspiration and rise to it.”

The current Liberal Government initiated the development of an LGBTIQA+ Action Plan and Framework after it commissioned the largest-ever survey of the state’s LGBTIQA+ community. It has also provided funding for LGBTIQA+ support, training, services, advocacy and policy development. Last year it unveiled a law about conversion practices but that has been criticised for allowing many conversion practices to continue.  

A copy of Labor’s Plan is attached and can be found here: 

https://taslabor.org.au/news/policy-announcements/lgbtiqa-equality/

The Tasmanian Greens LGBTIQA+ policy can be found here:

https://tasgreensmps.org/policy/

For a copy of this statement on the web, click here

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 or Lynn Jarvis on 0408 265 045.