Wednesday, 4 February 2026

 Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (18:49): (2275) My agenda tonight is directed to the Minister for Equality in the other place. The energy across Melbourne right now is electric. Just this past weekend thousands of people came together for the annual Midsumma Pride March to see Fitzroy Street in St Kilda transformed into a sea of colour. It is a powerful reminder of how far we have come but also of the solidarity required to keep that progress moving forward. I want to take a moment to shout out to Rainbow Labor for their tireless work and advocacy. Their presence at the march is a strong reminder that on this side of the chamber equality is not negotiable. It was heartening to see our surf lifesavers and other emergency services groups marching as well. Seeing the very people who keep us safe standing in solidarity with the LGBTIQA+ community sends a clear message: in Victoria everyone belongs and everyone is protected.

But the celebrations are not over yet. This Sunday the heart of my electorate in Fitzroy will come alive for Victoria’s Pride street party. It is a transformation that you will see along Gertrude and Smith streets. It is a vibrant day-long block party, and boy, is it fun. This event is the jewel in the crown of our inner north, and it is a direct result of this government’s sustained investments in queer arts, culture and community visibility.

In a time when some of us seek to use culture wars to divide us and peddle homophobia or transphobia in our community, it is more important than ever that we stand firm in our values. We must celebrate the diversity that makes Victoria the very best place to live. The action I seek from the minister is to provide an update and information on how the Allan Labor government is continuing to support and stand with our diverse LGBTIQA+ communities in the Northern Metropolitan Region to ensure that they can live safely and full of pride.