Media Release
Friday June 17th 2022
 
NEW GREENS LGBTIQA+ SPOKESPERSON, STEPHEN BATES, WELCOMED 
PRAISE FOR OUTGOING SPOKESPERSON, JANET RICE
CALL ON LABOR TO RE-INSTATE EQUALITY PORTFOLIO

Just.Equal Australia has welcomed the Green's new LGBTIQA+ spokesperson, Stephen Bates, and paid tribute to outgoing spokesperson, Janet Rice.

The group has also called on Labor to follow the Greens' lead and reinstate an LGBTIQA+ equality portfolio.

Just.Equal spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

"We welcome recently-elected member for Brisbane, Stephen Bates, as the Australian Greens new LGBTQIA+ spokesperson."

"We look forward to briefing Stephen on continued discrimination against LGBTIQA+ Australians and how the Greens can work with the community to make a positive difference."

"Our focus will be on those issues identified in our election priorities survey including mental health, school inclusion, conversion practices, non-consenting intersex medical interventions, religious exemptions, Medicare coverage of gender affirmation and blood donation."

"We warmly thank outgoing LGBTIQA+ spokesperson, Janet Rice, for her strong advocacy on behalf of our community."

"Janet was the Greens LGBTIQA+ spokesperson during one the toughest times for LGBTIQA+ people in decades."

"Not only was Janet a passionate opponent of the campaign against Safe Schools, the marriage postal survey, the Religious Discrimination Bill and numerous anti-trans campaigns, she also personally supported many LGBTIQA+ people through the darkest moments and boosted our morale when it flagged."

"The iconic image of Janet knitting in Parliament after Government minister, Peter Dutton, told pro-marriage equality CEO's to 'stick to their knitting', epitomised how Janet has inspired us with her humour, warmth and strength of character."

Trans and bi+ advocate Sally Goldner AM added her praise for Janet,

"We thank Janet for standing up for all LGBTIQA+ people. One stand-out moment was her draping of the bi flag around her shoulders on Celebrate Bisexuality Day 2018 in Parliament. This gave bi+ Australians a huge sense of feeling seen and affirmed.”

Mr Croome said the appointment of a new LGBTIQA+ spokesperson sends a message to Labor to create a similar position.

"The Greens have shown that having an LGBTIQA+ portfolio is a valuable addition to any party."

"Labor should follow the Greens lead and reinstate the LGBTIQA+ equality portfolio it abolished in 2019."
 
For a copy of Just.Equal's election priorities survey report: www.equal.org.au/2022_election_survey_results
For a copy of this statement on the web, click here
 
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 or Sally Goldner on 0407 946 242.