WITH the state election only days away, both major parties have pledged a number of promises to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning community.
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Headspace Horsham manger Liz Rowe said it was important for all sides of government to provide support for the LGBTIQ+ community.
“We look forward to working with the successful elected candidate to continue to embrace diversity and support our rainbow youth to overcome mental health challenges and reach their full potential,” she said.
"We also hope to continue to ensure that mental health professionals are delivering the most accessible and inclusive supports for LGBTIQ+ and all young people our rural community."
She said almost one in three young people attending headspace services nationally identified as LGBTIQ+.
“These numbers highlight our strong links with the rainbow community and the commitment we have to help support LGBTIQ+ youth in our community,” she said.
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The Labor party has already started work on Australia’s first Pride Centre, the Victorian Pride Centre. It also initiated the Equality Roadshow which has been travelling around the state over the last two years.
The party has pledged it would deliver $6.4 million for a range of initiatives to further support the LGBTIQ+ community if re-elected.
Among the pledges is the creation of a Melbourne Pride 2021 celebration, and a $200,000 boost to the Pride Events and Festivals Fund, specifically for regional and rural pride events.
Labor has also pledged to dedicate $2.5 million to expand family counselling services for LGBTIQ+ Victorians.
The Liberal-Nationals has pledged to establish Victoria’s first LGBTIQ+ Business Roundtable, which would be chaired by the Premier.
It has also promised to provide $500,000 worth of funding to support Joy FM to become one of the first anchor tenants in the Victorian Pride Centre, while it has promised $2 million to develop a new LGBTIQ+ Tourism Strategy.
The Coalition also plans to initiate a Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into public services available to the LGBTIQ+ community. The inquiry would aim to find the gaps in services available through hearings across the state.