Saturday Magazine

6 Jul 2024

Saturday 6th July, 2024: Harriet Shing, Minister for Equality; Major New Announcement; LGBTIQA+ People with Disability to lead Advisory Group

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Saturday 6th July, 2024: Harriet Shing, Minister for Equality; Major New Announcement; LGBTIQA+ People with Disability to lead Advisory Group

A new Advisory Group will lead more inclusive decision-making for and with LGBTIQA+ Victorians living with
disability, with support from the Allan Labor Government.Minister for Equality Harriet Shing today joined JOY 94.9/Joy Media to announce the LGBTIQA+ Disability Inclusion Expert
Advisory Group will work to identify more inclusive policies that recognise a person’s diverse identities and lived
experiences.

The Advisory Group consists of seven members who will advise government on ideas and policies to improve the
experiences, well-being and connection for LGBTIQA+ people living with disability.
Research has found that LGBTIQA+ people with disabilities often encounter unique access barriers within their local
communities due to a lack of disability inclusion.

In addition, national surveys have shown LGBTIQA+ people with disability report substantially greater challenges
and poorer outcomes than LGBTIQA+ people without disability, including higher rates of suicidal ideation,
harassment and family violence.

LGBTIQA+ people with disability have an enormous untapped amount of expertise, lived experience and knowledge
that will contribute to better outcomes right across the community. The Advisory Group will give greater
prominence and visibility to intersectional LGBTIQA+ community members.

The Advisory Group will sit alongside the LGBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing and Justice working groups and work
closely with the Victorian Disability Advisory Council to ensure that LGBTIQA+ Victorians’ needs, challenges, and
aspirations are part of the government’s work to deliver Equality.

The Advisory Group’s work will ensure the Labor Government’s equality and disability initiatives are underpinned
by genuine consultation, co-design, and collaboration with diverse Victorians.

The Labor Government’s nation-leading Equality work is supporting all LGBTIQA+ Victorians so that they are safe,
are healthy, have equal human rights and can live wholly and freely.