National LGBTI Health Network - Election Tools
The 2010 federal election will determine what progress we can make in improving the health and wellbeing of sexuality, sex and gender diverse Australians, and how quickly.
The National LGBT Health Alliance has identified some core issues that we want to see most urgent action on:
A joined up national plan to address the health and wellbeing needs of LGBTI Australians, in partnership with LGBTI communities
A funded national NGO peak body, in keeping with the Australian government's response to the needs of other equity groups
We have also identified action across 6 core themes, including Access, Equity & Inclusion, Ageing, Sex & Gender Diversity, Mental Health, Preventative Health, and Anti-Discrimination Legislation.
Access, Equity and Inclusion:
A requirement for government/government funded services to put in place and report on measures to ensure the inclusion of LGBTI service users
& inclusion of questions on sexual and gender identity and intersex status in government sponsored research, including the census
& national roll out of sexuality, sex and gender diversity awareness training for health and community service workers
& a requirement for government funded services to monitor access and outcomes for LGBTI clients
Ageing:
Recognition of LGBTI seniors as a 'special needs group' in aged care/seniors policy
& a national LGBTI aged care policy and development position
& research into the health and wellbeing (including social and economic needs) of LGBTI seniors
& allocation of dedicated LGBTI care packages (HACC, EACH, CACP)
& LGBTI community based information, assessment and case coordination services for LGBTI seniors
Sex and Gender Diversity:
Implementation of the recommendations of the Australian Human Rights Commission's 'Sex Files' report
& state/territory implementation of responsibilities arising from the 'Sex Files' report
& Medicare payment of the cost of sex reassignment surgery, hormone treatment and body modification
& review of non-essential surgical interventions on intersex infants, children and young people
Mental Health:
Recognition of LGBTI people as a priority population group in mental health policy and programs
& a national program of action to address the specific mental health needs of sexuality, sex and gender diverse people, including a national LGBTI mental health policy and development position
& support for LGBTI counselling/support services
& prioritisation of same-sex attracted and sex and gender diverse young people in the national youth suicide prevention strategy
Preventative Health:
Recognition of LGBTI people as a priority population group in the preventative health and women's health policies and programs
& inclusion of the specific needs of LGBTI people in government funded social marketing campaigns, in partnership with LGBTI communities
& resources for LGBTI community organisations to deliver culturally appropriate, peer based social marketing and other preventative and health promotion services to LGBTI people and communities
Anti-discrimination:
Federal anti-discrimination laws to protect from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity
& standardised laws relating to sexuality, sex and gender diverse people across the states and territories (e.g. in relation to parenting)
& a national campaign promoting the social inclusion of LGBTI Australians, tackling stigma and discrimination
& a national approach to reducing violence against LGBTI people
& amendment of the Marriage Act to allow same-sex couples to marry
We have sent an election survey to the main political parties and key portfolio holders to find out about their commitment to these LGBTI health and wellbeing issues. The results will be published here prior to election day.
Download the Election Survey
Download a 1 page (A3) summary of the election survey. You might like to use this if meeting with candidates.
Download an overview of the Australian Government's response to equity groups
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