On 11 May 2020, the LGBTIQ Justice Working Group held its third meeting.
The list of members, terms of reference and communiques are available.
Specific matters considered
Corrections and Justice Services
Representatives from the Department of Justice and Community Safety attended to provide an overview of policy and operations regarding LGBTIQ people across Corrections and Justice Services. The Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety, Rebecca Falkingham, also attended the meeting.
Representatives noted the work being undertaken to improve responses and services within Corrections and Justice Services, including the development of an LGBTIQ policy to provide an overarching framework for guiding consistent best practice in the management and provision of services to LGBTIQ prisoners. Corrections and Justice Services will seek the group’s feedback on the development of the policy.
Victoria Police
Assistant Commissioner Brett Curran attended to provide an overview of the work being undertaken by Gender Equality and Inclusion Command, Victoria Police, which commenced on 1 January 2020. Assistant Commissioner Curran detailed the work being undertaken to improve gender equality and inclusion within Victoria Police by driving cultural change.
Equal Opportunity Act reforms
Members discussed the Victorian government’s election commitment to introduce amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 to protect LGBTIQ students, teachers and staff. Members noted that reforms to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 to provide better protection for Victoria’s LGBTIQ communities have been an ongoing priority for the LGBTIQ Justice Working Group. Members raised and discussed potential reforms, including:
- Removing or narrowing religious exceptions which disadvantage members of LGBTIQ communities, including LGBTIQ students, staff and teachers in education settings
- Protecting the broadest range of members from the community by removing religious exceptions that allow discrimination based on other factors such as marital or parental status
- Updating definitions of sexual orientation and gender identity
- Reducing the burden on individuals who have been discriminated against to enforce the legislation
- Looking to other jurisdictions to provide guidance on best practice anti-discrimination protections.
Members agreed that they would seek further advice and feedback on options for reform from their respective organisations and networks.
Other business
Members noted that the Births, Deaths and Marriages reforms came into effect on 1 May 2020 and passed on their thanks for the smooth introduction of these changes.
Next meeting
The LGBTIQ Justice Working Group will reconvene on 29 June 2020.
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