Thursday, 19 October 2023

Ministers statements: LGBTIQA+ equality

Vicki WARD (Eltham – Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Employment) (14:31): I rise to update the house on the Allan Labor government’s ongoing support for our LGBTIQ communities. We are ensuring that Victorian jobseekers have access to safe and inclusive employment services. Last month this government announced with pride that we will continue to invest in inclusive employment services. This includes funding fantastic organisations like Fitted for Work, a not-for-profit providing a range of important work-readiness services. These services include one-on-one interview preparation and a personal outfitting service for work-appropriate clothing, helping people put their best foot forward with pride. Their program Project Purple enables transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse Victorians to access employment opportunities. This is important, as we know that transgender jobseekers continue to face discrimination, with an unemployment rate three times the national average.

Despite advancements, two-thirds of our LGBTIQ community employees still hide their identities at work. This can hurt wellbeing, job satisfaction, productivity, talent retention and leadership growth. On this side of the house we know everyone deserves a fair go when looking for work, and we support organisations that support our LGBTIQ community with pride. The Allan Labor government’s support goes beyond words. We back it up with funding, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity in employment. While those opposite continue to focus on their harmful culture wars, on this side of the house equality is not negotiable.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, the minister appeared to be reading from a document.

The SPEAKER: Order! Was the minister reading or referring to notes? The minister was referring to notes.