Thursday, 19 October 2023

Ministers statements: LGBTIQA+ support

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:36): A couple of weeks ago as part of the swearing in of the new government I appointed a member of the other place for Western Metropolitan Region Lizzie Blandthorn as our new Minister for Children. This was indicating a very clear priority for me and the government that in supporting children and young people, whether it be across universal service platforms or indeed specific kids who have specific needs, we are going to look at everything we can to better coordinate and provide support to children and young people.

This is particularly relevant for Victoria’s young LGBTIQA+ communities, because in Victoria equality is not negotiable. Every Victorian deserves to feel safe, to feel equal, to be celebrated for being exactly who they are, and we are proud of the action we have already taken in this area, whether it be through the banning of the dangerous and cruel conversion practices or the delivery of adoption equality and also the historic apology for gay convictions in this Parliament. There is also the 10-year plan Pride in Our Future. We will continue to support LGBTIQA+ Victorians to live freely and safely, particularly as the Minister for Health has identified, to make sure that they get the health care, support and services they need.

Then there is also making sure we celebrate with the LGBTIQA+ community. There are a range of actions that we have taken and will continue to take, and we are doing this because everyone deserves to feel equal but particularly for young trans kids, who are 15 times more likely to attempt suicide. We have to give them our love and support, not harmful motions in the other place that are supported by people who sit outside of the Liberal Party room but call the shots in the Liberal Party room. We have got to provide them with love, care and support.

Brad Battin: On a point of order, Speaker, I rise to ask for a follow-up on question on notice 597 that still has not been answered by the Minister for Police; question on notice 596 for the Minister for Police; adjournment question 331, which was for the Minister for Emergency Services about volunteer firefighters; question on notice 598, which was for the Minister for Police; and a very important one, adjournment question 307, which I raised last sitting week as well. It is about education and zoning in particular for one student who desperately needs some assistance, and if I can please ask for follow-up with the Minister for Education to get onto this one.