Media Release

Tuesday September 6th 2022

 

 

Just.Equal Australia has presented a petition to Parliament in support of a dedicated LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).

 

This morning the petition with 1300 signatures was given by Just.Equal human rights advocate, Ivan Hinton-Teoh OAM, to Senator David Shoebridge and Stephen Bates MP, both of whom have championed the appointment through an amendment to Government legislation regarding the appointment of AHRC commissioners.

 

Mr Hinton-Teoh said,

 

"The LGBTIQA+ community deserves an advocate at the highest level as illustrated by our absence from the recent Jobs and Skills Summit."

 

"Just as dedicated commissioners have helped other groups to achieve greater equality, including women, racial minorities, people with disability and First Nations, so a dedicated LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner will help us overcome continued discrimination."

 

"I thank everyone who signed our petition and congratulate David and Stephen for being strong champions of LGBTIQA+ equality.

 

The Australian Greens' amendment seeking to appoint an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner will be debated in the Senate this week. It was supported by Lower House cross-benchers but defeated in that House by Labor and the Coalition . 

 

Photo attached.

 

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