Just.Equal Australia has welcomed, but also expressed concern about, the Federal Government's commitment of $26 million to LGBTIQA+ health research and the development of a national LGBTIQA+ health action plan.

 

The announcement was made yesterday by Health Minister, Mark Butler, and Assistant Health Minister, Ged Kearney, at the World Pride Human Rights Conference in Sydney. 

 

Just.Equal spokesperson, Rodney Croome said,

 

"We welcome any allocation of Government funds to LGBTIQA+ health, but we are concerned about where the money announced by Mark Butler will go and how the action plan will be developed."

 

"We already know what causes poorer LGBTIQA+ health outcomes and how to improve those outcomes so the money should be spent on overstretched front-line services, not more research."

 

"There must also be much more money allocated in coming budgets. $26 million looks pretty poor next to the $60 million the Federal Government spends on school chaplains every year, especially when we consider how long LGBTIQA+ health has been neglected." 

 

"Those members of the LGBTIQA+ community who are most vulnerable to stigma, discrimination and poorer health outcomes should be central to directing the development of the national action plan, alongside established community organisations and researchers."

 

"Involvement in the development of the national strategy by those most directly affected by it, is the best way to ensure it responds to their needs."

 

The Government statement can be found here: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/pathway-to-better-health-for-lgbtiqa-communities

 

For a copy of this statement on the web, click here