On 7 December 2020, the LGBTIQ Justice Working Group held its seventh meeting.

The list of members, Terms of Reference and communiques are available. 

Specific matters considered

Corrections and Justice Services update

Representatives from Corrections and Justice Services attended to provide an update on Corrections Victoria and Justice Health in relation to people from LGBTIQ communities in the custodial space.

Proposed objectives, principles and priority areas for a new LGBTIQ Corrections Policy were also presented. The policy will provide a framework to ensure that services are appropriate and reflect best practice. It will guide operational policies and procedures and align with the department-wide LGBTIQ Justice Strategy (to be developed).

Update on legislative reforms

A representative from Justice Policy and Data Reform, DJCS attended to provide updates on the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill 2020 and Equal Opportunity Act reform.

New laws introduced into Parliament on 25 November 2020 will ban practices that seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The introduction of the Bill fulfills a Victorian Government commitment to ban these practices and follows close consultation with survivors, LGBTIQ+ support and advocacy organisations, including this Working Group and faith organisations in both 2019 and 2020.

The Equal Opportunity Act reforms, including amendments to remove and/or narrow religious exceptions, have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The department will continue to progress this work and provide updates to the Working Group.

Reflection of work priorities for 2020

Members reflected on priorities, progress and achievements for 2020, including:

  • Impacts of COVID-19 on LGBTIQ communities
  • Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill 2020
  • IBAC inquiry into the conduct of Victoria Police officers at the Hares & Hyenas bookstore
  • Equal Opportunity Act reforms
  • Births, Deaths and Marriages reforms
  • LGBTIQ Whole of Government Strategy

Next meeting

The LGBTIQ Justice Working Group will reconvene in 2021 with dates to be determined.