On 31 August 2020, the LGBTIQ Justice Working Group held its fifth meeting.
The list of members, terms of reference and communiques are available.
Specific matters considered
LGBTIQ Whole of Government Strategy
Representatives from the Department of Premier and Cabinet attended to provide an update on the development of the whole of government LGBTIQ Strategy. The Victorian Government has committed to develop a whole of government LGBTIQ Strategy to set a long-term vision and direction on LGBTIQ Equality.
Community consultation is informing the development of the LGBTIQ Strategy. Consultation was open to the public through the Engage Victoria website and there will be further opportunities for community engagement and feedback in future to shape the LGBTIQ Strategy before it is finalised.
LGBTIQ Legal Needs Analysis
The LGBTIQ Legal Needs Analysis report was tabled. The LGBTIQ Legal Needs Analysis report is informed by the experiences of the LGBTIQ Legal Service, a pilot project and health justice partnership of St Kilda Legal Service and Thorne Harbour Health, and the experiences of its clients.
The report outlines areas of unmet legal need to support better understanding in order to meet the needs of LGBTIQ communities in future. Recommendations in the report include a permanent and expanded specialist LGBTIQ legal service and further research towards a more thorough and detailed analysis of the legal needs of Victorian LGBTIQ communities.
Victoria Police
Assistant Commissioner Brett Curran attended to provide an update of work being undertaken by Gender Equality and Inclusion Command, Victoria Police.
Members discussed the importance of undertaking this work with an LGBTIQ inclusive lens and rebuilding trust with LGBTIQ communities. Members noted the importance of ongoing conversations with Victoria Police.
Other business
Members noted recent legislative developments for conversion practices in Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.
Next meeting
The LGBTIQ Justice Working Group will reconvene on 2 November 2020.
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