Following a survey of the major parties in the lead up to this month’s NSW election, advocates for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community are calling on the next NSW government to continue supporting the GLBT community by building on a series of recent GLBT-related law reforms and healthcare initiatives.

Survey responses were recently sought and received from the Coalition, Labor, the Greens and independent MP Clover Moore on a range of key GLBT and HIV policy issues.

The survey was conducted by ACON, NSW’s leading GLBT health and HIV/AIDS organisation, the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) and Positive Life NSW, the peak organisation representing people with HIV in NSW.

ACON President Mark Orr says while all parties were generally supportive of the GLBT community, more specific commitments would be welcome on a range of issues.

“ACON welcomes the range of reforms and initiatives that have been recently delivered by the Government and by Parliament,” Mr Orr says.

“These include legislative amendments allowing adoption by same sex couples, the formation of a Ministerial Advisory Committee for GLBT health and wellbeing, an additional $450,000 for GLBT mental health programs and an additional $250,000 for a trial of anti-homophobia education in schools.

“These are all valuable initiatives and we hope the next government will maintain these commitments and keep the momentum going by continuing to deliver important health and wellbeing outcomes for the GLBT community.”

In relation to equality and anti-discrimination, GLRL Co-Convenor Kellie McDonald says it’s disappointing that Labor and Coalition have not committed to removing exceptions to anti-discrimination laws.

“Exemptions to anti-discrimination laws remain the last significant legal obstacle to legal equality in NSW for sexual minorities,” Ms McDonald says.

“At a minimum, organisations – such as faith-based organisations – which are contracted to provide government services and so are in receipt of public funding should be required to comply with all anti-discrimination laws, without exception, and we look forward to working with the next government to ensure this occurs.”

In relation to HIV prevention programs and services for people with HIV, Positive Life NSW President Malcolm Leech says a commitment from all parties to the development of a sixth NSW HIV Strategy is welcome.

“Previous Strategies have led to coordinated development, research and provision of prevention and care services in NSW,” Mr Leech says.

“They are an essential tool in ensuring good communication and cooperation between all stakeholders, and changing times, emerging issues and health reform mean that we need to maintain this cooperation.”

Mr Leech says it’s encouraging that all parties also indicated a willingness to consider allowing selected community pharmacies to dispense HIV medications.

“Having HIV medicine dispensed by appropriately qualified people at selected community pharmacies on evenings and weekends – rather than only at hospitals during business hours – is an important way to help people balance living with HIV with their work and life.”

Mr Orr says commitments from all parties to providing specialised health and wellbeing services for GLBT people are also welcome.

“GLBT people have a range of specific health needs – such as HIV, sexual health, discrimination and social isolation – that are best met by organisations based in the GLBT community and we’re pleased that all the major parties have recognised this,” Mr Orr says.

“Continued investment by NSW governments in community based organisations has been a very successful part of the response to HIV in NSW, and maintaining such investment in real terms is essential to the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Mr Orr says there was also a general recognition that a whole of government approach is needed to address homophobic violence in our community.

“A firm commitment from the Greens and Ms Moore to funding for community-based anti-violence and anti-homophobia programs is especially welcome,” Mr Orr says.

Mr Orr says the issue of ageing in the GLBT community was also generally recognised by all parties.

“We’re particularly pleased to have entered into discussions with the Coalition to develop ways of reducing discrimination and improving aged care services for the GLBT community.”

For full survey results, please visit www.acon.org.au/election or www.glrl.org.au