Equality Tasmania has asked candidates to sign pledges and answer questions about issues of concern to the LGBTIQA+ community during each election since 1989.

Each election, Equality Tasmania runs a community forum to ask current candidates about their priorities and support for the LGBTIQA+ community.

For the May 3rd 2025 Federal Election, we asked questions of a representative from the Greens (Senator Nick McKim), two Independents (Clark MP Andrew Wilkie, Franklin candidate Peter George), and Labor (Clark Candidate Heidi Heck). The Liberals  representative (Bass MP Bridget Archer) has sadly had to cancel due to illness.

Equality Tasmania has surveyed parties and candidates on issues of concern to the LGBTIQA+ community during each state election since 1989. We ask for candidate responses to the following questions to better inform the LGBTIQA+ community and our families and allies about their voting options.

Candidate and party responses have been listed in the order we received them. You can click on a candidate’s name to jump directly to their answers.

To read the full survey questions in detail, see the file below.

The relatively large number of questions in this survey is because we have sought views on services as well as law reform, and because of the ongoing threats to landmark reforms already achieved.

“A healthy society requires valuing and respecting diversity of skills, talents and experience of all members of our community.

Being safe and cared for is what each of us needs to live a fulfilling life.

Thanks to Equality Tasmania, I have been taken on a journey to a more comprehensive understanding of the very specific issues that members of the LGBTIQA+ communities face day-to-day and when navigating health, education, bureaucratic and community issues.

As a “straight” person, I acknowledge that I have much more to learn but in speaking with Equality Tasmania, I am now much more aware of how legislative changes can “level the playing field” for LGBTIQA+ people.

I’m glad that I am able to respond positively to the questionnaire with a deeper understanding about what each issue involves.

If I am elected in the seat of Franklin, I would be happy to pursue these objectives.

My bottom line: A healthy, inclusive society excludes and discriminates against no one on the basis of their identity, gender, sexuality, race or religion.” – Peter George

“At its heart, my position is that LGBTIQA+ rights are human rights and, if I am re-elected, I commit to continuing to advocate for LGBTIQA+ rights in the parliament. I invite Equality Tasmania and LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians to keep me accountable, and to keep me informed about what matters to LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians.

I have twice introduced a Bill of Rights into the Parliament which, if passed, would have provided a national legislative basis for the protection of LGBTIQA+ rights, among others. It would also have allowed for the Australian Human Rights Commission to inquire into any act or practice, done by the Commonwealth or a state or territory government, that may infringe on a right or freedom in the Bill of Rights. I will certainly keep pushing on this issue.

I have also advocated more recently for the Australian government to introduce comprehensive vilification protections and appoint an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner and an LGBTIQA+ Equality Minister. In fact, I asked the Prime Minister about this in the wake of the census debacle last year during question time. If you’re interested in his response, you can find it on my website. “

“The Australian Greens have always fought to ensure LGBTIQA+ people in Australia can live safe, respected, and valued lives, free from discrimination and hate.”