The Albanese Government is investing more than $18.1 million to support projects that improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ Australians.
This includes $10 million to La Trobe University to deliver an innovative new program in partnership with ACON, Thorne Harbour Health and technology company, Portable that will help LGBTIQA+ people find accessible healthcare that is safe, respectful and inclusive.
The program will establish a national voluntary training and accreditation scheme to support primary care providers to deliver safe, inclusive and affirming care for LGBTIQA+ people.
In addition, $8.1 million in grants have been awarded to 18 initiatives including national and state-based projects across the country.
The successful projects were selected through an independent assessment process administered by the national peak body, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia.
This funding responds to evidence that many LGBTIQA+ people avoid or delay seeking care due to experiences or fear of discrimination, and that almost half of LGBTIQA+ adults prefer mainstream services that are known to be inclusive.
A full list of the grant recipients can be found here.
The grant programs align with the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People 2025-2035, released in December 2024 after the largest national consultation on LGBTIQA+ wellbeing ever undertaken by Government.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“Every Australian deserves health care that is safe, accessible, respectful and free from judgement.
“These grants will give LGBTIQA+ people better access to the health information and care they need, improving outcomes and communities.”
Quotes attributable to Professor Adam Bourne, Director of La Trobe’s Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS):
“By improving access to inclusive primary care, the program aims to encourage earlier intervention and preventive healthcare, improve health outcomes and help reduce health disparities experienced by LGBTIQA+ communities.”
Quotes attributable to LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) Board Chair- Carolyn Gillespie:
“This investment recognises the critical role that LGBTIQA+ community-led organisations play in delivering safe, inclusive and responsive health initiatives.
“We welcome the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting this work and look forward to seeing these projects contribute to lasting improvements in health equity and wellbeing for LGBTIQA+ communities nationwide.”
