The Andrews Labor Government is encouraging members of Victoria's lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer communities interested in helping shape government policies to make life better for their communities to join the next term of the LGBTIQ+ Taskforce and its working groups.
Minister for Equality Harriet Shing today opened Expressions of Interest for individuals interested in joining the LGBTIQ+ Ministerial Taskforce and its two working groups which will focus on justice and health and wellbeing respectively.
LGBTIQ+ Victorians face higher levels of discrimination, stigma and exclusion, which can lead to poorer health, economic, social and mental health outcomes compared to other Victorians.
The advisory groups provide expert advice on important legislative reform, policies and programs across government, helping ensure policies and programs meet the needs of LGBTIQ+ Victorians.
The Taskforce and its working group members will play an instrumental role in ensuring the voices of queer communities are at the heart of the implementation of Victoria's first whole-of-government 10-year LGBTIQ+ strategy, Pride in our future.
Launched by the Labor Government in February 2022, Pride in Our Future provides the roadmap to drive equality and inclusion for Victoria's diverse communities. Up to nine community members will be appointed to the LGBTIQ+ Taskforce and to the working groups for a fixed term of two years.
More information about the LGBTIQ+ Taskforce and its working groups can be found at vic.gov.au/lgbtiq-taskforce.
As stated by Minister for Equality Harriet Shing
"It's so important that our equality policies and actions are directly informed by lived experience - the diversity of queer voices in groups like the LGBTIQ+ Taskforce has been central to many of the reforms we've delivered."
"Lasting and positive change to the lives of LGBTIQ+ Victorians takes sustained and genuine community consultation and collaboration - I encourage anyone who is interested in being part of this work to apply."
As stated by LGBTIQ+ Taskforce co-chair Jayde de Bondt
"'I encourage LGBTIQ+ leaders from all parts of Victoria's diverse rainbow communities to consider applying for the taskforce or working groups."
"Your expertise and lived experience matters and can inform the vital work government is doing to celebrate, empower and support LGBTIQ+ Victorians."
