Introduction

Equality Tasmania has surveyed parties and candidates on issues of concern to the LGBTIQA+ community during each state election since 1989. Our focus this Legislative Council election is on critical law reforms required to ensure equality and inclusion. We have divided these into reforms we are seeking and protecting existing legal rights. We ask for your responses to the following questions to better inform the LGBTIQA+ community and our families and allies about their voting options.

We urge you to answer each question with:

Yes

No

Undecided, uncertain or need more information

You are welcome to add any additional information.

The deadline for responses is Monday April 29^th 2024.

***

1. LEGISLATION NEEDED IN THIS TERM OF GOVERNMENT

1. Conversion practices

Background

Conversion practices are attempts to change, suppress or eradicate someone’s same-sex attraction or gender identity based on the false, misleading and pseudoscientific claims that people who are same-sex attracted or have a transgender identity are broken and can be fixed. Some Tasmanian religious leaders have admitted they continue to conduct conversion.

According to research commissioned by the current Tasmanian Government, 1 in 5 LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians have been through formal conversion practices. La Trobe University research shows conversion survivors are 3 to 4 times more likely other LGBTIQA+ people to have PTSD and to have attempted suicide.

A 2022 report from the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute recommended that conversion practices be prohibited. It also recommended religious practice, parental guidance and medical practices not be restricted unless they promote or perpetrate conversion practices.

In December 2023 the Tasmanian Government released a bill that will allow most conversion practices to continue. This is because it says conversion practices are not conversion practices if there is consent (it is not possible to consent to treatment based on false and misleading claims) and if self-defining health service providers consider it appropriate (conversion perpetrators often falsely call themselves “therapists” or “counsellors”). The bill also has weak enforcement provisions and no provision for education of communities where conversion may occur.

TLRI MR here: https://www.utas.edu.au/about/news-and-stories/articles/2022/tlri-recommends-reform-of-laws-covering-lgbtqa-conversion-practices

TLRI report here: https://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1585921/2022.CP.Report32.final.A4_securedwcopy.pdf

Conversion practices in Tasmania here: https://equalitytasmania.org.au/home/endconversion/

Evidence of ongoing conversion practices here: https://www.examiner.com.au/story/7406885/launceston-church-makes-no-apologies-for-using-conversion-therapy/

Briefing on the Tasmanian Government bill attached.

Questions

Do you want to see an end to conversion practices in Tasmania?

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on conversion practices based on the recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute?

Do you believe this should be high priority?

• Intersex surgeries

Background

About 1.7% of the Tasmanian population are people with innate variations of sex characteristics (intersex). Currently in Tasmania medically unnecessary cosmetic surgeries and other unnecessary medical interventions are being inflicted on intersex infants and children to “normalise” them. These surgeries often need to be corrected as the child grows and can cause great psychological and physical harm later in life. A prohibition on these surgeries has been recommended by a 2020 TLRI report (Legal Recognition of Sex and Gender) and enacted in the ACT. Victoria will follow by the end of 2024.

TLRI MR here: https://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1342078/Legal-Recognition-of-Sex-and-Gender-Media-Release-Final-Report.pdf

TLRI report here: https://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1342078/Legal-Recognition-of-Sex-and-Gender-Media-Release-Final-Report.pdf

Questions

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on medically-unnecessary interventions on children with innate variations of sex characteristics based on the recommendations of the TLRI?

Do you believe this should be a high priority?

Will you support the provision of redress for those who have undergone damaging, medically-unnecessary and non-consensual medical interventions?

• Hate crime

Background

Tasmanian sentencing law allows for a sentence to be aggravated (increased) if racial hatred was a motive for the crime. However, hate on the basis of other attributes including sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics cannot be an aggravating factor in sentencing. This sends the message that hate-motivated attacks against LGBTIQA+ people are less serious than those against members of racial minorities.

The current Government asked the Sentencing Board to conduct an inquiry into this issue. But that report was not released before the election was called.

Sentencing board inquiry here: https://www.sentencingcouncil.tas.gov.au/projects

Questions

Will you enact or vote for reform of the Sentencing Act that allows for aggravated sentencing when a crime is motivated by hatred on the basis of a range of attributes including sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics.

Will you support more resources to enable police to be trained to identify, collect data on, and prosecute crime motivated by hate?

• Stalking law reform

Background

In Tasmania there is a continuing problem of same-sex couples, and LGBTIQA+ people more broadly, facing harassment, bullying and stalking by neighbours, particularly in rural areas. However, police cannot gather evidence or bring charges under relevant legislation (section 192 of the Criminal Code) until they have consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions making it very hard to enforce the law. NSW has removed this onerous provision.

Question

Will you support changes to section 192 of the Criminal Code to ensure victims of those crimes can be sure police are empowered to gather evidence and bring charges without having to seek prior consent of the DPP?

• Expungement of historical criminal records

Background

In 2016 the Hodgman Liberal government passed a law allowing criminal records of those convicted under Tasmania’s former laws against homosexuality and cross-dressing to be expunged (erased).

A subsequent independent review of the operation of the law, commissioned by the Government, recommended a series of reforms in areas like administrative procedures and promotion of the scheme. It also recommended financial redress for those whose application for expungement is successful.

In 2023 the current Government introduced a bill implementing all the Review’s recommendations except financial redress.

A copy of the independent review is attached. A guide to the issue of redress is also attached.

Questions

Will you enact or vote for the review’s recommendations to be implemented?

If you indicated support for the recommendations, does this include in-principle support for financial redress for survivors, of an amount to be determined by a parliamentary inquiry?

• An LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act

Background

The current Tasmanian Government has proposed a Disability Inclusion Bill that will entrench the rights of people with disability, entrench the relationship between people with disability and the Government, establish a Disability Commissioner and legislate for goals related to respect, equality and inclusion.

More about the Disability Inclusion Bill here: https://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/cpp/community-and-disability-services/disability-inclusion-bill-have-your-say

Questions

Do you support an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act similar to the proposed Disability Inclusion Bill?

If unsure, do you support an inquiry into the need for an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act?

• A Human Rights Act

Background

A Tasmanian Human Rights Act was proposed by the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute in 2007. Such an Act will ensure the human rights of all Tasmanians, including sexual and gender minorities, are respected.

TLRI MR here: https://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/283730/Human_rightsfinalversion_media.pdf

TLRI report here:

https://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/283728/Human_Rights_A4_Final_10_Oct_2007_revised.pdf

Question

Will you enact or vote for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act in line with the recommendations of the TLRI?

• PROTECTING EXISTING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

1. The Anti-Discrimination Act

Background

The Anti-Discrimination Act has been in place for quarter of a century. In that time it has helped foster a fairer and more inclusive Tasmania.

For the last 25 years the Act has prohibited discrimination by faith-based schools and services against LGBTIQA+ students, staff and clients. National research has shown this has fostered more inclusive faith-based schools and services. Other states are now adopting similar protections.

Attempts have been made in the Tasmanian Parliament to roll back these protections, mostly unsuccessfully. In 2022 the Federal Government attempted to take away these protections as part of its Religious Discrimination Bill. But that bill failed in the House of Representatives.

Section 17 of the Act has helped curb bullying against people with disability, racial minorities, women and LGBTIQA+ people by prohibiting humiliating, intimidating, insulting and offensive behaviour. By far, the majority of complaints under this provision are from people with disability. Weakening this section will take their rights and protections away.

In 2016 the State Government attempted to weaken the protections provided by section 17 by allowing humiliation and intimidation etc in the name of religion. That failed in the Legislative Council. In 2022 the Federal Government attempted to do exactly the same as part of its Religious Discrimination Bill but, as mentioned, that also failed.

Questions

Will you vote against any attempt to remove existing protections for students, staff and clients of faith-based schools and services?

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend section 17 of the Anti-Discrimination Act, including any attempt to allow intimidation and humiliation etc in the name of religion?

• Gender recognition laws

Background

Since 2019, Tasmanian law allows trans and gender diverse people to amend their birth certificates to reflect their gender identity without the need for expensive and invasive surgeries. It has also allowed adults the choice to remove gender from their birth certificate, and parents the choice to omit gender from their child’s birth certificate (details of sex are still kept by the authorities). Hundreds of Tasmanians have taken this option.

This reform was recommended by Equal Opportunity Tasmania following public consultation. The reform was confirmed by the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute following further consultation.

There were predictions these reforms would put women’s safety as risk. However, there have been no examples of this in Tasmania. The reform has been endorsed by Tasmanian women’s groups including Women’s Health Tasmania, the Women’s Legal Service and women’s refuges.

TLRI MR here: https://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1342078/Legal-Recognition-of-Sex-and-Gender-Media-Release-Final-Report.pdf

TLRI report here: https://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1342078/Legal-Recognition-of-Sex-and-Gender-Media-Release-Final-Report.pdf

Question

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend Tasmania’s gender identity recognition laws?

• Respecting parental rights and opposing censorship

Background

There are moves in America and Australia to ban age-appropriate LGBTIQA+ books in schools and public libraries. There is also an attempt to whip up a moral panic about drag story time.

Tasmanian parents should have the right, freedom and choice to allow their children to access age-appropriate materials that will prepare their child for a world that includes LGBTIQA+ people. Drag Story Time at the Launceston library in February 2022 illustrated how valuable parents believe these rights and freedoms to be with many taking their children to the event.

Furthermore, young people who are LGBTIQA+, and the children of same-sex couples, deserve to see themselves and their families represented alongside with other young people and families. This has a proven positive impact on their mental health and sense of belonging.

Questions

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by allowing schools and libraries to include age-appropriate LGBTIQA+ books in their collections?

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by not speaking out against age-appropriate drag story time?

• Protecting trans and gender diverse health care

Background

There have been calls for an inquiry into gender affirming health care for young trans and gender diverse people. There are strict medical guidelines for such care in Australia, which are consistently under review. Peer-reviewed research shows young trans and gender diverse people benefit from affirming care. Many trans and gender diverse people fear an inquiry into such care will become a platform for hatred and misinformation.

Calls for an inquiry have increased with the recent release of a review of gender care for young people in the UK. Some Tasmanian advocates have called for a similar review here and for conversion legislation to be slowed down. But as the attached briefing paper explains, there has been expert criticism of the UK review. More importantly, it is not relevant to the Tasmanian and Australian situation. Australia’s gender clinics already take the kind of holistic, multidisciplinary and individualised approach the UK review recommends. 

Question

Will you oppose an inquiry into health care for young trans and gender diverse people?

[End]

1. LEGISLATION NEEDED IN THIS TERM OF GOVERNMENT

1. Conversion practices

Do you want to see an end to conversion practices in Tasmania?

Yes

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on conversion practices based on the recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute?

Yes

Do you believe this should be high priority?

Yes

The previous government’s legislation was weak and would be ineffective in ending conversion practices in Tasmania. No time should be wasted in introducing stronger laws to prevent attempts to change, suppress or eradicate a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation.

• Intersex surgeries

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on medically-unnecessary interventions on children with innate variations of sex characteristics based on the recommendations of the TLRI?

Yes

Do you believe this should be a high priority?

Yes. No time should be wasted on this given that babies could be exposed to this any day in Tasmania, potentially affecting them negatively for the rest of their lives.

Will you support the provision of redress for those who have undergone damaging, medically-unnecessary and non-consensual medical interventions?

Yes

• Hate crime

Will you enact or vote for reform of the Sentencing Act that allows for aggravated sentencing when a crime is motivated by hatred on the basis of a range of attributes including sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics.

Yes

Will you support more resources to enable police to be trained to identify, collect data on, and prosecute crime motivated by hate?

Yes

• Stalking law reform

Will you support changes to section 192 of the Criminal Code to ensure victims of those crimes can be sure police are empowered to gather evidence and bring charges without having to seek prior consent of the DPP?

Yes

• Expungement of historical criminal records

Will you enact or vote for the review’s recommendations to be implemented?

Yes

If you indicated support for the recommendations, does this include in-principle support for financial redress for survivors, of an amount to be determined by a parliamentary inquiry?

I would be guided by other jurisdictions and views of the community affected * note no attachment included so happy to revise my response if that advocates a different approach….

• An LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act

Do you support an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act similar to the proposed Disability Inclusion Bill?

Yes

If unsure, do you support an inquiry into the need for an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act?

• A Human Rights Act

Will you enact or vote for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act in line with the recommendations of the TLRI?

Yes

• PROTECTING EXISTING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

1. The Anti-Discrimination Act

Will you vote against any attempt to remove existing protections for students, staff and clients of faith-based schools and services?

Yes

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend section 17 of the Anti-Discrimination Act, including any attempt to allow intimidation and humiliation etc in the name of religion?

Yes

• Gender recognition laws

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend Tasmania’s gender identity recognition laws?

Yes

• Respecting parental rights and opposing censorship

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by allowing schools and libraries to include age-appropriate LGBTIQA+ books in their collections?

Yes

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by not speaking out against age-appropriate drag story time?

Yes

• Protecting trans and gender diverse health care

Will you oppose an inquiry into health care for young trans and gender diverse people?

Yes

[End]

1. LEGISLATION NEEDED IN THIS TERM OF GOVERNMENT

1. Conversion practices

1. Do you want to see an end to conversion practices in Tasmania?

Yes.

2. Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on conversion practices based on the recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute?

Yes.

3. Do you believe this should be a high priority?

I believe this should be a priority alongside, a suite of, Human Rights issues that Tasmania could and should be A) National leaders on, and B) Breakthrough international leaders.

• Intersex surgeries

1. Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on medically-unnecessary interventions on children with innate variations of sex characteristics based on the recommendations of the TLRI?

Yes.

2. Do you believe this should be a high priority?

See response to a3.

3. Will you support the provision of redress for those who have undergone damaging, medically-unnecessary and non-consensual medical interventions?

Yes.

• Hate crime

1. Will you enact or vote for reform of the Sentencing Act that allows for aggravated sentencing when a crime is motivated by hatred on the basis of a range of attributes including sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics.

Yes.

2. Will you support more resources to enable police to be trained to identify, collect data on, and prosecute crime motivated by hate?

Policing’s history with the LGBTQIA+ and PoC community unfortunately gives room for pause when the question of giving yet more power comes up. I would prefer to see such resources redirected to community safety and agency, including empowering members of communities to take (and act) on some of that capacity.

• Stalking law reform

1. Will you support changes to section 192 of the Criminal Code to ensure victims of those crimes can be sure police are empowered to gather evidence and bring charges without having to seek prior consent of the DPP?

Yes.

• Expungement of historical criminal records

1. Will you enact or vote for the review’s recommendations to be implemented?

Yes.

2. If you indicated support for the recommendations, does this include in-principle support for financial redress for survivors, of an amount to be determined by a parliamentary inquiry?

Yes.

• An LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act

1. Do you support an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act similar to the proposed Disability Inclusion Bill?

Yes. However it may be included alongside Disability in a broader Equality Bill that reaffirms that LGBTQIA+ and Disability rights are human rights (it follows then that this would be part of an inalienable Bill of Human Rights).

2. If unsure, do you support an inquiry into the need for an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act?

See response to f1.

• A Human Rights Act

1. Will you enact or vote for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act in line with the recommendations of the TLRI?

Yes.

• PROTECTING EXISTING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

1. The Anti-Discrimination Act

1. Will you vote against any attempt to remove existing protections for students, staff and clients of faith-based schools and services?

2. Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend section 17 of the Anti-Discrimination Act, including any attempt to allow intimidation and humiliation etc in the name of religion?

Yes.

• Gender recognition laws

1. Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend Tasmania’s gender identity recognition laws?

Yes.

• Respecting parental rights and opposing censorship

1. Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by allowing schools and libraries to include age-appropriate LGBTIQA+ books in their collections?

Yes, of all places libraries should have as much literature as possible.

2. Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by not speaking out against age-appropriate drag story time?

Yes, Drag Story Time is a fun and safe learning opportunity for everyone.

• Protecting trans and gender diverse health care

1. Will you oppose an inquiry into health care for young trans and gender diverse people?

I will oppose attempts to undermine, erode, or diminish current best practice in Tasmania’s Gender Affirming Care and associated fields.

[End]

1. LEGISLATION NEEDED IN THIS TERM OF GOVERNMENT

1. Conversion practices

Do you want to see an end to conversion practices in Tasmania?

Yes, absolutely and soon.

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on conversion practices based on the recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute?

Yes.

Do you believe this should be high priority?

Yes.

• Intersex surgeries

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on medically-unnecessary interventions on children with innate variations of sex characteristics based on the recommendations of the TLRI?

Yes.

Do you believe this should be a high priority?

Yes, as – on the evidence – these surgeries are taking place in Tasmania, on children who have no capacity to give consent.  The potential for lifelong harm is enormous.

Will you support the provision of redress for those who have undergone damaging, medically-unnecessary and non-consensual medical interventions?

Yes.

• Hate crime

Will you enact or vote for reform of the Sentencing Act that allows for aggravated sentencing when a crime is motivated by hatred on the basis of a range of attributes including sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics.

Yes.

Will you support more resources to enable police to be trained to identify, collect data on, and prosecute crime motivated by hate?

Yes.

• Stalking law reform

Will you support changes to section 192 of the Criminal Code to ensure victims of those crimes can be sure police are empowered to gather evidence and bring charges without having to seek prior consent of the DPP?

Yes.

• Expungement of historical criminal records

Will you enact or vote for the review’s recommendations to be implemented?

Yes.

If you indicated support for the recommendations, does this include in-principle support for financial redress for survivors, of an amount to be determined by a parliamentary inquiry?

Yes.

• An LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act

Do you support an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act similar to the proposed Disability Inclusion Bill?

Yes. More broadly, the Greens support and will continue to work towards a Human Rights Act for lutruwita/Tasmania.

If unsure, do you support an inquiry into the need for an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act?

• A Human Rights Act

Will you enact or vote for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act in line with the recommendations of the TLRI?

Yes, absolutely.  This is Greens’ longstanding policy.

• PROTECTING EXISTING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

1. The Anti-Discrimination Act

Will you vote against any attempt to remove existing protections for students, staff and clients of faith-based schools and services?

Yes, and I have previously in the House of Assembly.

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend section 17 of the Anti-Discrimination Act, including any attempt to allow intimidation and humiliation etc in the name of religion?

Yes, and have previously in the House of Assembly.

• Gender recognition laws

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend Tasmania’s gender identity recognition laws?

Yes.

• Respecting parental rights and opposing censorship

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by allowing schools and libraries to include age-appropriate LGBTIQA+ books in their collections?

Yes.

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by not speaking out against age-appropriate drag story time?

Yes. More drag story times for young people, please.

• Protecting trans and gender diverse health care

Will you oppose an inquiry into health care for young trans and gender diverse people?

Yes, it would achieve nothing in terms of the evidence and better outcomes for young trans and gender diverse people, while potentially stigmatising and traumatising them in the process.

[End]

1. LEGISLATION NEEDED IN THIS TERM OF GOVERNMENT

1. Conversion practices

Do you want to see an end to conversion practices in Tasmania?

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on conversion practices based on the recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute?

Do you believe this should be high priority?

“Yes” to all three questions.  I’m deeply concerned about hearing of any trauma and harm caused to LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians, other Tasmanians, members of their families and extended networks who may be impacted. I will do whatever I can to protect and support your community and other Tasmanians from harm.

• Intersex surgeries

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on medically-unnecessary interventions on children with innate variations of sex characteristics based on the recommendations of the TLRI?

Do you believe this should be a high priority?

Will you support the provision of redress for those who have undergone damaging, medically-unnecessary and non-consensual medical interventions?

“Yes” to all three questions.  We must ensure that Tasmania has best practice laws to protect the rights of intersex people to choose when and if they undergo surgeries that are not medically necessary. 

• Hate crime

Will you enact or vote for reform of the Sentencing Act that allows for aggravated sentencing when a crime is motivated by hatred on the basis of a range of attributes including sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics.

Will you support more resources to enable police to be trained to identify, collect data on, and prosecute crime motivated by hate?

Yes to both. 

Being part of a marginalised group myself that experiences discrimination, harassment and hate crimes, I share your passion for this area. 

As part of the Tasmanian Labor team, I would like to see this issue seriously addressed in our criminal justice system. 

• Stalking law reform

Will you support changes to section 192 of the Criminal Code to ensure victims of those crimes can be sure police are empowered to gather evidence and bring charges without having to seek prior consent of the DPP?

Yes, Tasmanian Labor would support changing that provision. It is important that when deficiencies are identified in our existing laws, that they are amended so they are fit for purpose and this is an example of a simple change that is required that would make the lives of LGBTIQA+ and other Tasmanians safer.

• Expungement of historical criminal records

Will you enact or vote for the review’s recommendations to be implemented?

If you indicated support for the recommendations, does this include in-principle support for financial redress for survivors, of an amount to be determined by a parliamentary inquiry?

As part of the Tasmanian Labor team, I support both enacting the review recommendations and providing financial redress for survivors. 

Reform and redress in this area should not be delayed a moment longer. 

• An LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act

Do you support an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act similar to the proposed Disability Inclusion Bill?

If unsure, do you support an inquiry into the need for an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act?

“Yes” to both questions. Tasmanian Labor recognises the value and importance of the Disability Inclusion Bill and would be keen to do the work required to introduce a similar act to support LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians.

• A Human Rights Act

Will you enact or vote for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act in line with the recommendations of the TLRI?

One of the primary reasons I am running for Labor is for their value of human rights. 

I strongly support a Human Rights Act. 

• PROTECTING EXISTING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

1. The Anti-Discrimination Act

Will you vote against any attempt to remove existing protections for students, staff and clients of faith-based schools and services?

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend section 17 of the Anti-Discrimination Act, including any attempt to allow intimidation and humiliation etc in the name of religion?

I do not believe the Act should be weakened for any reason.  I am a man of the Christian faith but I do not support exemptions for religious organisations within discrimination laws.   

• Gender recognition laws

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend Tasmania’s gender identity recognition laws?

Tasmanian Labor will not support any weakening, amendment or repeal these laws. Labor will also not support any attempts from other parties to do so. It was because of the Labor Party that these protections could be legislated in the first place. And to achieve that from opposition, with support from the cross benches, was historic and something to be proud of.

• Respecting parental rights and opposing censorship

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by allowing schools and libraries to include age-appropriate LGBTIQA+ books in their collections?

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by not speaking out against age-appropriate drag story time?

As a Dad of four kids, I absolutely respect parental choice and freedom in this regard.  I love my kids enjoying a range of artistic and educational forums, including age-appropriate drag story time. 

• Protecting trans and gender diverse health care

Will you oppose an inquiry into health care for young trans and gender diverse people?

I have many trans and gender diverse friends. Labor would oppose any inquiry that would do harm or runs the risk of becoming a platform of hatred. Rather, Labor would be guided by the evidence-based research that already exists on health care for young trans and gender diverse people, as well as being guided by the Tasmanian trans and gender diverse community and advocates.

1. LEGISLATION NEEDED IN THIS TERM OF GOVERNMENT

1. Conversion practices

Do you want to see an end to conversion practices in Tasmania?

Yes, without hesitation

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on conversion practices based on the recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute?

yes

Do you believe this should be high priority?

Yes

• Intersex surgeries

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on medically-unnecessary interventions on children with innate variations of sex characteristics based on the recommendations of the TLRI?

Yes

Do you believe this should be a high priority?

Yes – it’s outrageous that we are imposing medical interventions on young people who are too young to give informed consent just because they don’t fit the mythology of binary

Will you support the provision of redress for those who have undergone damaging, medically-unnecessary and non-consensual medical interventions?

Yes

• Hate crime

Will you enact or vote for reform of the Sentencing Act that allows for aggravated sentencing when a crime is motivated by hatred on the basis of a range of attributes including sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics.

Yes

Will you support more resources to enable police to be trained to identify, collect data on, and prosecute crime motivated by hate?

Absolutely.

• Stalking law reform

Will you support changes to section 192 of the Criminal Code to ensure victims of those crimes can be sure police are empowered to gather evidence and bring charges without having to seek prior consent of the DPP?

 Yes

• Expungement of historical criminal records

Will you enact or vote for the review’s recommendations to be implemented?

Yes – why would we not follow all recommendations? And we should take responsibility when human rights have been violated.

If you indicated support for the recommendations, does this include in-principle support for financial redress for survivors, of an amount to be determined by a parliamentary inquiry?

Yes

• An LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act

Do you support an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act similar to the proposed Disability Inclusion Bill?

Yes. The Greens also continue to work towards a Human Rights Act

If unsure, do you support an inquiry into the need for an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act?

• A Human Rights Act

Will you enact or vote for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act in line with the recommendations of the TLRI?

Yes – this is our longstanding policy

• PROTECTING EXISTING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

1. The Anti-Discrimination Act

Will you vote against any attempt to remove existing protections for students, staff and clients of faith-based schools and services?

Yes  – religious belief is not a valid excuse to allow victimisation of LGBTIQA people and would be voting to protect them.

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend section 17 of the Anti-Discrimination Act, including any attempt to allow intimidation and humiliation etc in the name of religion?

I would vote against any efforts to weaken the Act.

• Gender recognition laws

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend Tasmania’s gender identity recognition laws?

Yes –  I will be pushing to strengthen gender identity laws.

• Respecting parental rights and opposing censorship

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by allowing schools and libraries to include age-appropriate LGBTIQA+ books in their collections?

God yes – kids need to know they are normal as they are, and what better way to teach acceptance?

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by not speaking out against age-appropriate drag story time?

Wrong question! I’ll be queuing to attend drag story time to show my support. (That’s a yes)

• Protecting trans and gender diverse health care

Will you oppose an inquiry into health care for young trans and gender diverse people?

Yes. We know this is one of our most vulnerable groups of people and I worry that we will further traumatise them without actually achieving any good outcomes.

Thank you for your email and invitation to complete the survey about law reform of concern to the Tasmanian LGBTIQA+ community.

My focus through the campaign has been on being out and about in the community engaging with people. Whilst you can be assured I am all for legislation that supports and protects people from the LGBTIQA+ community, I have not been able to give significant issues like the ones you raise due consideration to be able to inform a definite position.

After the election, whether I am elected or not, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss these matters further, to help me develop a fully informed position.

CONVERSION PRACTICES

Do you want to see an end to conversion practices in Tasmania?

YES.

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on conversion practices based on the recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute?

YES.

Do you believe this should be high priority?

YES.

INTERSEX SURGERIES

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on medically-unnecessary interventions on children with innate variations of sex characteristics based on the recommendations of the TLRI?

YES

Do you believe this should be a high priority?

YES.

Will you support the provision of redress for those who have undergone damaging, medically-unnecessary and non-consensual medical interventions?

YES.

HATE CRIME

Will you enact or vote for reform of the Sentencing Act that allows for aggravated sentencing when a crime is motivated by hatred on the basis of a range of attributes including sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics.

YES. I am prepared to draft and introduce a private members’ Bill to this effect.

Will you support more resources to enable police to be trained to identify, collect data on, and prosecute crime motivated by hate?

YES.

STALKING LAW REFORM

Will you support changes to section 192 of the Criminal Code to ensure victims of those crimes can be sure police are empowered to gather evidence and bring charges without having to seek prior consent of the DPP?

YES. The provision in question was introduced when stalking was a technical legal novelty. The offence is now well-understood, and the reasons for requiring the prior consent of the DPP no longer apply.

HISTORICAL CRIMINAL RECORDS

Will you enact or vote for the review’s recommendations to be implemented?

YES, followed by general legislation for other offences now repealed.

If you indicated support for the recommendations, does this include in-principle support for financial redress for survivors, of an amount to be determined by a parliamentary inquiry?

YES.

LGBTIQA+ INCLUSION ACT

Do you support an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act similar to the proposed Disability Inclusion Bill?

YES

If unsure, do you support an inquiry into the need for an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act?

N/A

HUMAN RIGHTS ACT

Will you enact or vote for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act in line with the recommendations of the TLRI?

YES, but it must go further than the TLRI proposal. It must be constitutionally entrenched, and laws and administrative decisions inconsistent with it must be void ab initio.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW

Will you vote against any attempt to remove existing protections for students, staff and clients of faith-based schools and services?

YES.

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend section 17 of the Anti-Discrimination Act, including any attempt to allow intimidation and humiliation etc in the name of religion?

YES.

GENDER RECOGNITION LAWS

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend Tasmania’s gender identity recognition laws?

YES.

RESPECTING PARENTAL RIGHTS AND OPPOSING CENSORSHIP

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by allowing schools and libraries to include age-appropriate LGBTIQA+ books in their collections?

YES.

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by not speaking out against age-appropriate drag story time?

YES.

PROTECTING TRANS AND GENDER DIVERSE HEALTHCARE

Will you oppose an inquiry into health care for young trans and gender diverse people?

YES.

1. LEGISLATION NEEDED IN THIS TERM OF GOVERNMENT

1. Conversion practices

Do you want to see an end to conversion practices in Tasmania?

Yes

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on conversion practices based on the recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute?

Yes

Do you believe this should be high priority?

Yes

• Intersex surgeries

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on medically-unnecessary interventions on children with innate variations of sex characteristics based on the recommendations of the TLRI?

Yes

Do you believe this should be a high priority?

Yes

Will you support the provision of redress for those who have undergone damaging, medically-unnecessary and non-consensual medical interventions?

Yes

• Hate crime

Will you enact or vote for reform of the Sentencing Act that allows for aggravated sentencing when a crime is motivated by hatred on the basis of a range of attributes including sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics.

Yes

Will you support more resources to enable police to be trained to identify, collect data on, and prosecute crime motivated by hate?

Yes

• Stalking law reform

Will you support changes to section 192 of the Criminal Code to ensure victims of those crimes can be sure police are empowered to gather evidence and bring charges without having to seek prior consent of the DPP?

Yes

• Expungement of historical criminal records

Will you enact or vote for the review’s recommendations to be implemented?

Yes

If you indicated support for the recommendations, does this include in-principle support for financial redress for survivors, of an amount to be determined by a parliamentary inquiry?

Yes

• An LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act

Do you support an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act similar to the proposed Disability Inclusion Bill?

Yes

If unsure, do you support an inquiry into the need for an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act?

• A Human Rights Act

Will you enact or vote for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act in line with the recommendations of the TLRI?

Yes

• PROTECTING EXISTING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

1. The Anti-Discrimination Act

Will you vote against any attempt to remove existing protections for students, staff and clients of faith-based schools and services?

Yes

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend section 17 of the Anti-Discrimination Act, including any attempt to allow intimidation and humiliation etc in the name of religion?

Yes

• Gender recognition laws

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend Tasmania’s gender identity recognition laws?

Yes

• Respecting parental rights and opposing censorship

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by allowing schools and libraries to include age-appropriate LGBTIQA+ books in their collections?

Yes

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by not speaking out against age-appropriate drag story time?

Yes

• Protecting trans and gender diverse health care

Will you oppose an inquiry into health care for young trans and gender diverse people?

Yes

[End]

1. LEGISLATION NEEDED IN THIS TERM OF GOVERNMENT

1. Conversion practices

Do you want to see an end to conversion practices in Tasmania?

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on conversion practices based on the recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute?

Do you believe this should be high priority?

The Liberal Government will progress the Justice Miscellaneous (Conversion Practices) Bill 2024 that the Rockliff Government released for public consultation in 2023.

• Intersex surgeries

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on medically-unnecessary interventions on children with innate variations of sex characteristics based on the recommendations of the TLRI?

Do you believe this should be a high priority?

Will you support the provision of redress for those who have undergone damaging, medically-unnecessary and non-consensual medical interventions?

A re-elected majority Liberal Government will work collaboratively with community and clinical stakeholders, including the LGBTIQA+ community, to ensure that any law reform proposals are evidence based and reflect best practice.

• Hate crime

Will you enact or vote for reform of the Sentencing Act that allows for aggravated sentencing when a crime is motivated by hatred on the basis of a range of attributes including sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics.

I understand that the Sentencing Advisory Council is reviewing these provisions of the Sentencing Act and will provide advice on whether other factors, such as gender identity and sexual orientation, should be recognised as motivating factors. The Liberal Government will consider any recommendations from the Advisory Council on this matter.

Will you support more resources to enable police to be trained to identify, collect data on, and prosecute crime motivated by hate?

The Liberal Government will be increasing police numbers by a further 60 officers, taking overall police numbers to a record high of 1,521 full time officers. This commitment will support victims of crime, including hate crimes, and hold perpetrators to account.

I also understand that Tasmanian Police Officers already receive training related to prejudice-related incidents, such as those motivated by race, gender, age of sexual orientation and Tasmanian Police are delivering initiatives that engage with at-risk populations, including the appointment of a LGBTIQA+ Community liaison and an LGBTIQA+ Working Group.

• Stalking law reform

Will you support changes to section 192 of the Criminal Code to ensure victims of those crimes can be sure police are empowered to gather evidence and bring charges without having to seek prior consent of the DPP?

As part of the Liberal Government, I will consider this law reform proposal.

• Expungement of historical criminal records

Will you enact or vote for the review’s recommendations to be implemented?

If you indicated support for the recommendations, does this include in-principle support for financial redress for survivors, of an amount to be determined by a parliamentary inquiry?

I understand that the proposed financial redress scheme would establish a two-tiered system, distinguishing between applicants who have had charges or offences recorded on their criminal record, and those who have not. We do not want to introduce a complex payment scheme that would have the effect of being discriminatory in its application.

The Liberal Government will continue to progress this legislation to ensure the Expungement Scheme continues to operate effectively and appropriately supports affected Tasmanians.

• An LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act

Do you support an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act similar to the proposed Disability Inclusion Bill?

The Liberals have no current plans to introduce a new Act or hold an inquiry. The Liberal Government will continue to engage with Equality Tasmania on priority items for law reform.

If unsure, do you support an inquiry into the need for an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act?

• A Human Rights Act

Will you enact or vote for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act in line with the recommendations of the TLRI?

No.

• PROTECTING EXISTING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

1. The Anti-Discrimination Act

Will you vote against any attempt to remove existing protections for students, staff and clients of faith-based schools and services?

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend section 17 of the Anti-Discrimination Act, including any attempt to allow intimidation and humiliation etc in the name of religion?

The Liberal Government will not amend the current Anti-Discrimination Act 1998.

• Gender recognition laws

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend Tasmania’s gender identity recognition laws?

The Liberal Government does not propose to introduce any changes to these laws.

• Respecting parental rights and opposing censorship

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by allowing schools and libraries to include age-appropriate LGBTIQA+ books in their collections?

The Liberals support parental choice and freedom. I am advised that Libraries Tasmania purchase and acquires materials that have been reviewed and authorised for general public access by the Australian Classification Board and all materials within libraries are managed to comply with legal requirements under the Classification (Publications, Alms and Computer Games) Enforcement Act 1995. Libraries allocate books, based on their classification to appropriate areas and parents and carers are responsible for supervising the reading and viewing activities of their children.

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by not speaking out against age-appropriate drag story time?

The Liberals support parental choice and freedom. I understand that to attend Drag Queen Story Time families needed to book and it was made clear on the booking form that attendance was an informed choice.

• Protecting trans and gender diverse health care

Will you oppose an inquiry into health care for young trans and gender diverse people?

Yes. The Liberal Government will continue to work directly with the health professionals and the LGBTIQA+ community on this issue.

1. LEGISLATION NEEDED IN THIS TERM OF GOVERNMENT

1. Conversion practices

Do you want to see an end to conversion practices in Tasmania?

Yes

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on conversion practices based on the recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute?

Yes

Do you believe this should be high priority?

Yes

• Intersex surgeries

Will you enact or vote for a prohibition on medically-unnecessary interventions on children with innate variations of sex characteristics based on the recommendations of the TLRI?

Yes

Do you believe this should be a high priority?

Yes

Will you support the provision of redress for those who have undergone damaging, medically-unnecessary and non-consensual medical interventions?  

need more information

• Hate crime

Will you enact or vote for reform of the Sentencing Act that allows for aggravated sentencing when a crime is motivated by hatred on the basis of a range of attributes including sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics.

Yes

Will you support more resources to enable police to be trained to identify, collect data on, and prosecute crime motivated by hate?

Yes

• Stalking law reform

Will you support changes to section 192 of the Criminal Code to ensure victims of those crimes can be sure police are empowered to gather evidence and bring charges without having to seek prior consent of the DPP?  

need more information

• Expungement of historical criminal records

Will you enact or vote for the review’s recommendations to be implemented?

Yes

If you indicated support for the recommendations, does this include in-principle support for financial redress for survivors, of an amount to be determined by a parliamentary inquiry?

need more information

• An LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act

Do you support an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act similar to the proposed Disability Inclusion Bill?  

need more information

If unsure, do you support an inquiry into the need for an LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Act?

Yes

• A Human Rights Act

Will you enact or vote for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act in line with the recommendations of the TLRI?

Yes

• PROTECTING EXISTING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

1. The Anti-Discrimination Act

Will you vote against any attempt to remove existing protections for students, staff and clients of faith-based schools and services?

Yes

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend section 17 of the Anti-Discrimination Act, including any attempt to allow intimidation and humiliation etc in the name of religion?

Yes

• Gender recognition laws

Will you vote against any attempt to weaken or otherwise amend Tasmania’s gender identity recognition laws?

Yes

• Respecting parental rights and opposing censorship

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by allowing schools and libraries to include age-appropriate LGBTIQA+ books in their collections?

Yes

Will you respect parental choice and freedom, and oppose censorship, by not speaking out against age-appropriate drag story time?

Yes

• Protecting trans and gender diverse health care

Will you oppose an inquiry into health care for young trans and gender diverse people?

need more information