Australian News Archive

Australian Federal Labor Senator Nita Green has moved to establish a Senate inquiry into sexual consent laws. These are the laws that describe how sexual consent is defined for rape and sexual assault offences. In Australia, these definitions differ across the states and territories, which causes inconsistencies and confusion, as well as complexities in sexual consent education.

As this year's Media Sponsor, we are super excited here at FUSE Magazine to announce the totally awesome arts that will rock the stage and park at Fresh Out on Saturday 11 March 2023.

After being decimated by almost a decade of lockout laws and COVID shutdowns, the Sydney nightlife scene is beginning to burst to life again. A number of new bars and clubs are popping up around the central gay scenes of Oxford Street and Kings Cross in the lead up to World Pride next year.

According to NSW law, police can use sniffer dogs to search a person in activities related to “general drug detection,” and do not require prior suspicion of a drug offence. Under the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002, they are also protected against any liability that may arise from using a dog in and around a premise.

In a long-awaited response to the 2020 ice inquiry, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has re-affirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy to drug use and police sniffer dogs.

Notorious radio presenter Kyle Sandilands has once again come under fire, this time for spouting homophobic remarks about the current monkeypox outbreak. Listeners tuning into the popular ‘Kyle and Jackie-O Show’ on KIIS FM were left stunned after Sandilands ranted about “the big gay disease” and wanting to keep gays away from his newborn son.

Famous around the world for its surf, sand and lifesavers, Sydney’s Bondi Beach welcomed a new attraction today, a gigantic rainbow sand sculpture, to mark 100 days to go until Sydney WorldPride. 

Made entirely from sand, the 2m tall x 4m wide giant rainbow sculpture, located at the Bondi Pavilion Forecourt, is a larger-than-life representation of the powerful and universally recognised symbol of LGBQTIA+ pride.

The Honourable Ben Franklin, Minister for Tourism, said that WorldPride 2023 will showcase Sydney’s natural beauty, lifestyle and attractions to a global audience while unveiling the diverse line-up featured in the festival’s program.

“Sydney is an inclusive and proud LGBTQIA+ city. We are the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to host WorldPride and we’re incredibly excited to welcome revellers and friends from across the globe for the ultimate celebration,” Mr Franklin said.

“The program of events is world-class, and NSW will be abuzz with activity with over 300 events over 17 days. Now is the time to check out the program, plan your festival, book your tickets, and join us in Sydney for an unmissable event.”

More than 300 events were revealed today as Sydney WorldPride unveiled its full Festival Guide, all taking place from 17 February to 5 March 2023, with international pop superstar Charli XCX joining the line-up of stars performing at Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert presented by American Express at The Domain on Friday 24 February 2023.

Charli XCX will be performing alongside local star Jessica Mauboy and pop royalty Kylie Minogue at the official Opening Concert, hosted by Courtney Act and Casey Donovan. The concert will be broadcast live on the ABC.

Kelly Rowland has also been confirmed to headline Domain Dance Party, an open-air dance event curated by DJ Dan Slater. An incredible line-up of local and international DJs has also been confirmed, including DJ Suri and Isis Muretech.

Sydney WorldPride is the largest LGBQTIA+ event ever held in the region, with 17 days of activities spanning 19 Official major events, 68 curated WorldPride Arts experiences, 17 WorldPride Sports events and 192 Pride Amplified community events. 

Sydney WorldPride Chief Executive, Kate Wickett, said: “The Sydney WorldPride Festival Guide represents 144 pages of fabulous LGBQTIA+ creativity. The festival includes an extraordinary array of free and ticketed experiences from concerts to parties, theatre, sports and family events, so no matter your interests or budget, you are invited to Sydney WorldPride.”

“The first WorldPride in the Southern Hemisphere is a significant moment for both for the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia and Sydney. Now is the time to get ready for the global LGBTQIA+ reunion we’ve all been waiting for!” 

Visitors to Sydney can book major event tickets with flights and accommodation through an Approved Travel Provider until 30 November. The full Sydney WorldPride Festival Guide can be found at https://sydneyworldpride.com/. 

SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE

THINGS TO DO IN SYDNEY DURING SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE

BOOK AND TRAVEL TO SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE 2023

WorldPride flights, accommodation and tickets!

The full WorlPride Festival Guide is NOW available. If you book your tickets before 30 November 2022, you can also choose to bundle major event tickets with your flights and accommodation!

Sydney WorldPride has nominated Approved Travel Providers who have access to genuine WorldPride event tickets, including to events which are currently sold out by other meanings such as Opening Concert featuring Kylie Minogue and Bondi Beach Party. Approved Travel Providers can bundle Sydney WorldPride event tickets with flight/accommodation packages to make your visit to Sydney easier.

SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE TRAVEL DETAILS

The Queensland Police Service has committed to issue a landmark apology to the queer community for past enforcement of discriminatory laws.

The decision comes after, for the second year in a row, officers participating in the Brisbane Pride Festival march and rally were asked not to do so in uniform.

Some of NSW’s highest-ranking police officers have met in Broken Hill for an inaugural gay and lesbian police conference.

Barrier Police District Superintendent Darren Brand masterminded the event in order to promote inclusivity and diversity in policing and the wider community, saying, “It doesn’t matter what community you’re a part of… your police are there to support you and treat you with respect”.

Sergeant Nathan Towney, a Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer and Wiradjuri man, attended the event and stated, “I can definitely see a big shift with acceptance and moving forward”.

Also present was Acting Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke who said, “It’s a great initiative and it coincides with the Broken Heel Festival”.

NEED HELP OR SOMEONE TO TALK TOO

LGBTIQ DIRECTORY SUPPORT PATHWAYS

24 hours Lifeline 13 11 14
24 hours QLife 1800 184 527
Westlund Counselling Canberra 02 6257 2855
Relationships Australia 1300 364 277