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 […]
Category: Politics
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]