Saturday Magazine

24 Aug 2025

Saturday, 23rd August. 2025: Joe Ball; Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities (Victoria); Indigenous Treaty, Rise of Neo-Nazis and Racism

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Saturday, 23rd August. 2025: Joe Ball; Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities (Victoria); Indigenous Treaty, Rise of Neo-Nazis and Racism

Macca and Paul are Aiv, are joined live in the studio by Joe Ball; Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities (Victoria); as they discussed the new Treaty between First Nations people and the state of Victoria, Racism, the rise of Ne0-Nazis and hate-groups in Australia and so much more. Aiv Puglielli also remained on-air to discuss LFBTIQA+ discrimination and Homophobia.

Joe Ball (he/him) is the Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, appointed in 2024. A proud transgender man and long-time advocate, Joe has an extensive background in social services, mental health support and LGBTQIA+ community work. Previously associated with Switchboard Victoria, he has championed initiatives such as Rainbow Door and programs supporting survivors of family violence. Joe focuses on improving access to services, reducing stigma, and ensuring Victorian LGBTIQA+ communities are included in policy decisions.

Commissioner Ball (he/him) is a proud transgender man. He is a longstanding LGBTIQA+ advocate with a 25-year career in disability, housing and homelessness, and social services.

Commissioner Ball is a member of the Expert Advisory Group for the Federal Government’s 10-Year LGBTIQ+ Health and Wellbeing Plan. He has previously participated in several leading social service advisory committees and boards. This includes the Victorian Family Violence peak body Safe and Equal, the Community Advisory Committee for 1800RESPECT, the Victorian LGBTIQA+ Taskforce, the Victorian Family Violence Reform Advisory Group, and the National Suicide Prevention Governance Committee.

Joe was previously CEO of Switchboard Victoria for eight years, where he led the establishment of Rainbow Door, the statewide LGBTIQA+ family violence and mental health helpline.

Throughout his expansive career, Joe has drawn upon the strength and guidance of LGBTIQA+ history and most importantly, the work of activists who have paved the way, the courageous voices with lived experience and the wisdom of LGBTIQA+ elders.

In 2020, Joe was honoured as an award recipient in the 50 Outstanding LGBTI+ Leaders in Australia.