LGBTI AUSTRALIANS ISSUES TO BE HEARD AS PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP LAUNCHES.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Intersex (LGBTI) Australians will have their issues heard by federal members and senators of parliament from all political persuasions with the formation of the very first Parliamentary Friendship Group for LGBTI Australians.

Federal Member for Leichhardt & Chief Opposition Whip, The Hon Warren Entsch MP who is behind the creation of the group, joined with Federal Member for Moreton, Graham Perrett MP and Senator for South Australia, Senator Sarah Hanson‐Young to officially announce the establishment of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Australians today.

“This is an important step in recognising the divide that exists between policy makers and the LGBTI community. For the first time, Members and Senators will have direct access to information regarding social, legal and health issues.

“Social interaction with Members and Senators of the Federal Parliament will allow LGBTI Australians to raise issues, build awareness and to provide opportunities for these to be discussed and addressed at a legislative level.

There are specific needs in relation to the transgender and intersex community. They include the availability of appropriate identity documents or ensuring government systems correctly identify a person’s affirmed gender. These are issues that have needed addressing and impact negatively on peoples’ lives and are issues I will be strongly advocating for change,” Group Chair Warren Entsch MP said.

Mr Perrett, Group Deputy Chair said, “I know that aged care, estate planning and retirement issues are of serious importance for the LGBTI community, and that government and community preparedness is not as advanced as it could be.”

“LGBTI Australians face numerous issues, ranging from bullying in schools and workplaces through to outdated discrimination under federal legislation or unique health needs.

“It’s important that LGBTI Australians have a voice in the parliament and this parliamentary group provides an opportunity for this to occur,” said Sen. Sarah Hanson‐Young. Details of the first official function of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for LGBTI Australians will be announced within weeks.

The Hon. Warren Entsch MP
Federal Member for Leichhardt
Chief Opposition Whip

ACE WELCOMES “AUSTRALIA’S FIRST” PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP FOR LGBTI* AUSTRALIANS

The Australian Coalition for Equality (ACE) today welcomed an announcement of the establishment of Australia’s first Parliamentary Friendship Group for LGBTI Australian’s (PFLGBTIA).

An initiative of Coalition MP Warren Entsch, with Australian Labor Party MP Graham Perrett and Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young; this tri-partisan approach will provide a forum for the wide range of issues affecting the diversity of LGBTI Australians.

Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson Corey Irlam said that many “meat and three veg” issues affecting the diverse LGBTI community often went unnoticed by Parliamentarians and policy makers.

“This is a first in Australia. It’s a wonderful initiative that will ensure the diversity of the LGBTI community has a regular opportunity to discuss issues with our elected officials and for them to discuss issues amongst themselves.” said Mr Irlam.

“We’re particularly pleased to see that all parties in the Parliament are represented solidly in the friendship group.”

ACE spokesperson Martine Delaney noted that there had been enormous strides in same-sex law reform during the last parliament, but very little reforms affecting transgender and intersex Australians.

“This forum will ensure that Parliamentarians are very much aware of issues facing sex and/or gender diverse Australians. It provides another way of getting issues on the table.” said Ms Delaney

There are a range of LGBTI issues that don’t receive widespread attention. These include Federal Anti-Discrimination laws; issues faced by older LGBTI Australians; issues faced by sex and gender diverse people in Government systems and when accessing Medicare benefits; or even discussing the need for Government to collect sexual orientation and gender identity indicators in research to better inform public policy.

“The Australian Coalition for Equality looks forward to working with MP’s and Senators, alongside others within the LGBTI community as we discuss important but often forgotten issues.” said Mr Irlam

“We particularly thank and congratulate Warren Entsch MP, Graham Perrett MP and Senator Sarah Hanson-Young for working together to create this opportunity.” said Ms Delaney

For further information please contact Corey Irlam on 0401 738 996

*LGBTI stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/trans* and intersex.

http://www.aph.gov.au/Friendship.htm
Parliamentary Friends of LGBTI Australians (PFLGBTIA)
Contact Persons: The Hon Warren Entsch MP – 02 6277 4088

The PFLGBTIA provides feedback for Senators and Members on the opinions and concerns of LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex) community groups and constituents and a forum to meet and interact with LGBTI community groups and constituents. It disseminates information to Senators and Members, acts as forum for Senators and Members to discuss LGBTI issues, and promotes the fair and equitable treatment of LGBTI Australians and their families. This is the first attempt of its type to establish a group of Members and Senators to establish a Parliamentary Friendship Group to foster positive relations between parliamentarians and the LGBTI community.