Tuesday, 21 March 2023

Ministers statements: LGBTIQA+ support

Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples) (14:21): Today I rise to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ young people here in Victoria. LGBTIQ+ young people are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide. They are also more likely to experience social exclusion and face horrific stigma and its ongoing impacts – impacts that result in trans youth being 15 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general Australian population, with some studies estimating that nearly half of Australia’s trans community have attempted to take their own life. That is why, through a record investment of $62 million, we are delivering programs and services which ensure that LGBTIQ+ communities are safe, empowered and celebrated for who they are.

Just this week we have announced the next round of Healthy Equal Youth grants, part of a $1.9 million investment for LGBTIQ+ Victorian youth, and this includes funding for peer support groups such as the Rainbow Alliance in Stawell and Rural Rainbows in the Yarra Ranges to create opportunities for connection, celebration and of course advocacy as well. As the members for Broadmeadows and Glen Waverley will know, the Brotherhood of St Laurence is delivering a peer network for LGBTIQ+ youth living at the Education First Youth Foyers in Broadmeadows and Glen Waverley, and in Shepparton. These investments change lives and they save lives.

This government will always ensure that LGBTIQ+ Victorians get the care and support they need to not only survive but to thrive. Any trans member or trans person or member of the LGBTIQ+ community who feels triggered by the rally that took place over the weekend should know that support is available through Queerspace, through Switchboard or indeed through Lifeline. Please reach out if you need that support. While those opposite, as we all know, play footsies with far-right groups and anti-trans groups – (Time expired)