The National GLBT Health Alliance congratulates the Rudd Labor government on its success at the recent election and calls on the government to implement the commitments made during the campaign.
The Alliance will be seeking to develop a co-operative and productive relationship with the new government that will achieve real results for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) Australians.
“The Alliance received a good response from shadow ministers and advisors in a series of meetings held in the lead up to the election”, said Paul Martin, Alliance spokesperson.
Commitments made by Labor include:
* working with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Australians to develop comprehensive strategies to improve the health of the GLBT community
* discussing with GLBT groups the inclusion of sexuality and gender identity questions in data collection activities, including NHMRC-funded research projects
* reviewing how well the aged care quality and accreditation system meets the needs of GLBT people
* developing comprehensive strategies to address substance abuse by all Australians, including GLBT people
* addressing GLBT mental health issues (including dual diagnoses) through a framework of evidence-based policy making
* reviewing of the national HIV and STI programs to ensure that Australia restores its enviable record in HIV/AIDS and STI prevention
* properly resourcing the National HIV / AIDS, STI and Hep C Research Centres
* investing up to $290 million in a Commonwealth Dental Health Program that would include people living with HIV on low income
* eliminating existing discrimination in all areas of Commonwealth legislation (aside from the Marriage Act), including those laws relating to financial and work place entitlements identified in the HREOC report, to ensure same sex de facto couples are treated equally with heterosexual couples
* negotiating with the state and territory governments across Australia, to ensure a nationally consistent system of state based relationship recognition, modelled on the current registry operating in Tasmania
Further information on the commitments made by the major parties, and the work of the Alliance can be found at www.glbthealth.org.au
