Wednesday, 17 May 2023

Ministers statements: LGBTIQA+ support

Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Medical Research) (14:27): I rise to update the house on how the Andrews Labor government proudly stands in solidarity with all members of the LGBTIQ+, including our healthcare workers. Every single LGBTIQ+ Victorian should know that they are welcome, supported and loved for being exactly who they are. We mark IDAHOBIT on 17 May to recognise the anniversary of the World Health Organization removing homosexuality from its classification of diseases.

Health care certainly has come a long way in the past 32 years. There would be no health system without its dedicated workforce, and today I recognise the contribution of Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ healthcare workers. These are our nurses, our doctors, our pharmacists, our cooks, our cleaners, the allied health professionals as well as our administrative staff. Your hard work is valued. Your diverse experiences make you better at your job, and you strengthen our healthcare system.

This government wants everyone to know that they can always bring their whole selves to work. In Victoria equality is not negotiable, and we know our healthcare workers live this value every day. I am particularly proud that the Department of Health holds the title of Pride Network of the Year. Classifying homosexuality as a disease cast a long shadow that we still live with today. It bred hate, fear and discrimination. In some places this still goes on. Unlike those opposite, we unequivocally condemn transphobia. When will the member for Hawthorn stand up in this place and do exactly the same?