Preventing Violence Against Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People

The Hon. PENNY SHARPE (Parliamentary Secretary) [3.17 a.m.]: I was pleased to join my colleague the Minister for Police for the launch last week of the strategic framework, Working together: preventing violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Violence against gay men, lesbians, bisexual and transgender people is a problem that happens all too frequently on our streets and, unfortunately, in our schools, our workplaces and the community. It has been estimated that gay men and lesbians face violence rates four to six times higher than the general population. At the recent Transgender Day of Remembrance, members of the transgender community reported levels of violence much higher. It may be verbal abuse as a couple walks down the street holding hands or physical violence because of the way a young man has his hair cut. Behind every event there is a victim who is changed or a group of people who are wary and sometimes fearful within their own communities.

The launch of the framework signals strongly that the New South Wales Government cannot and will not tolerate homophobic violence, abuse and harassment. The New South Wales State Plan focuses on reducing rates of crime, particularly violent crime. The framework acknowledges that the need for adequate support for victims of violence. There needs to be effective services that meet the needs and understands the unique experiences of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. Government agencies, non-government organisations and the community as a whole need to work together to prevent violence through early education and awareness programs. There is not one individual agency or department that can be solely responsible for reducing the incidence of hate-related violence.

The strategic framework outlines the New South Wales Government's commitment and approach to tackling homophobic violence. It provides a whole-of-government response to enable a range of antiviolence measures to be implemented. It also promotes strong collaboration and partnership with the community and key non-government organisations. The framework recognises that the removal of discrimination under the law sets a clear example that all community members are equal before the law. The framework identifies five priority areas that will guide the direction that government agencies take to achieve the goals of the framework. These include focussing on key sites of violence, particularly educational and workplace settings; reforming service delivery to provide better customer services as well as protection to those seeking help; developing, implementing and evaluating intervention strategies to prevent prejudice-related violence against the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community; improving support for victims of homophobic violence; and encouraging more research to be undertaken into the experience of homophobic violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

It must be acknowledged that many organisations are already implementing strategies that will help to make our communities safer. Tonight I especially acknowledge the work of the AIDS Council of New South Wales [ACON], the Alternatives to Violence Project [AVP], the Council of the City of Sydney, Street Angels and other volunteers who have set up the safe space on Oxford Street as well as the work of my colleague David Campbell in his recent focus on finding some solutions to what is occurring on Oxford Street. The framework is a first of its kind in Australia. Without the strong commitment shown by many members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, this framework would not have been possible.

I also acknowledge public servants from a variety of agencies across government who have contributed may hours of work and contributed greatly to development of the framework. The framework will help to consolidate existing relationships between gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities and the New South Wales Government agencies that serve them. It will enable the Government to be more strategic and targeted in its efforts to reduce violence and harassment within our communities and to provide better support when these incidents do happen. But, most importantly, it will contribute toward making New South Wales a safer, more harmonious place for all people, regardless of their sexuality or gender.

I also acknowledge that last Saturday was World AIDS Day and tomorrow is International Volunteer Day. In the past seven days more than 15,000 people in New South Wales purchased Red Ribbon merchandise or made a donation. On Friday approximately 150 volunteers sold ribbons and wristbands at 20 locations in Sydney and throughout New South Wales. More than 245 businesses sold Red Ribbon merchandise throughout the week via counter boxes. More than 100 people attended the candlelight memorial in Sydney's Hyde Park. For those who saw the documentary this week, Rampant—how a city stopped a plague, we know that the threat of AIDs is far from over. But we have much to thank those who have volunteered their time, skills, intelligence and passion to limiting the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS in Australia.