Wednesday, 8 February 2023

Members statements

Midsumma Festival

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Minister for Environment) (09:39): It was a real pleasure to join many, many Melburnians, Victorians, at the 2023 Midsumma Pride March in St Kilda this weekend. Together with thousands of Victorians we marched to show solidarity with the LGBTIQ+ community.

Equality is not negotiable in Victoria. I am proud to be part of a government that stands with the LGBTIQ+ community, and it was very special to be able to join the Parks Victoria team, who were there in very big numbers as part of their celebration of Pride in Parks at a pre-march barbecue. They had a huge turnout; almost 60 staff came along with family and friends. We were joined by the Forest Fire Management Victoria staff, including the chief fire officer Chris Hardman. I am really proud of the work of Parks Victoria in creating a safe and welcoming work environment for their LGBTIQ+ colleagues. A huge thankyou to the Pride in Parks network for organising such a great event, and thank you for having me along that day.

It was also wonderful to join many colleagues from both sides of the aisle and both chambers and of course the many friends we have in Rainbow Labor that day. It was a fantastic display of the tolerance of Victorians and the pride that we take in our diversity right across the state.