On 7 March 2022, the LGBTIQ+ Justice Working Group (JWG) held its first meeting of the new term. Members of the JWG are appointed for two years.
A list of members, terms of reference and communiques are available.
Specific matters considered
Priorities for 2022
Members discussed priorities for consideration in 2022, including:
- further reforms to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010
- implementation of recommendations stemming from the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s review of the Adoption Act 1984 and how these affect Rainbow families
- cultural change within Victoria Police
- opportunities and experiences of LGBTIQ+ people related to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
Key government reforms
Representatives from the Department of Justice and Community Safety provided an update on the development of a 10-year strategy to address sexual violence, abuse and harm. This includes reform to sexual assault laws and affirmative consent laws, and anti-vilification reform stemming from the parliamentary Inquiry into anti-vilification protections.
Representatives from the Department of Health provided an update on key priority recommendations set out in (i) Am Equal: Future directions for Victoria’s Intersex community. (External link)
Other business
Members noted the release of Pride in our future: Victoria's LGBTIQ+ strategy 2022-32 (External link), and the importance of working closely with the LGBTIQ+ Taskforce to implement this strategy.
Next meeting
The LGBTIQ+ Justice Working Group will next meet on 16 May 2022.
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