Celebrating 25 years of inclusion for Tasmania’s LGBTIQ+ community

Jeremy Rockliff,Premier

Nic Street,Minister for Community Services and Development

Elise Archer,Attorney-General and Minister for Justice

The Tasmanian Government is a Government with heart, and we are committed to creating a confident and inclusive community where all people are treated fairly, with respect and have an equal opportunity to engage in Tasmanian life.

“It was great to join advocates, friends and family from Tasmania’s LGBTIQ+ community to acknowledge the 25th anniversary of homosexual decriminalisation, and to celebrate the state’s progression of inclusivity and diversity since that time,” says Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

“While we have come a long way in 25 years, we commit to continue working in partnership with the LGBTIQ+ community and it is by listening to the voices of lived experience of community members that we will all continue to learn.”

“This will help us to continue making changes for a better future for all Tasmanians.”

“While our law reforms have been described by advocates as among the most extensive and noteworthy in the world, the Department of Justice’s launch of its inaugural LGBTIQ+ Action Plan provides a framework for the Department to progress a range of issues and initiatives identified as priorities by the LGBTIQ+ community,” says Attorney-General Elise Archer.

The Plan has been developed by the Department’s LGBTIQ+ Reference Group, which sets out a number of specific activities that will be progressed over the next three years across a range of areas including data analysis, policies and communications, workforce, and community engagement and legislation development.

“We want to ensure our important work continues across government, which is why we have also invested in the biggest survey of the LGBTIQ+ community ever undertaken in Tasmania,” says Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

“This important data gives us all insights into the lives of Tasmania’s LGBTQI+ community, and provides guidance on how the Government can continue to ensure the LGBTIQ+ community is included and have equal access to programs and services, across government.”

“Funded by the Tasmanian Government and undertaken by the University of Tasmania, this survey will inform our new Whole of Government Action Plan and Framework, and help ensure we treat all Tasmanians equally – regardless of their relationship status, sexuality, gender identity or intersex characteristics,” says Minister Nic Street.

“We thank everyone who gave their valuable insights into their experiences, and for helping to ensure their views and voices are heard and represented, and we look forward to an even more inclusive and diverse Tasmania over the next 25 years,” says Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

/Public Release. View in full here.