Media Release
Friday May 17th 2019
TASMANIA POLICE WIN AWARD FOR LGBTI INCLUSIVE PRACTICE
"Over many years, Tasmania Police has worked very hard to be inclusive and respectful, working together with the LGBTI community to foster positive relationships and attitudes.” – Commissioner of Police Darren Hine
This year’s Dorothies Award for inclusive LGBTI practice has gone to Tasmania Police at a special event in Hobart.
The Dorothies Award is given each year to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) at a breakfast in Hobart organised by Tasmanian LGBTI support and education service, Working It Out.
This year’s award was for inclusive practice in Tasmanian emergency services and was won by Tasmania Police. Other eligible services included Tasmanian Fire Service, Ambulance Tasmania, the State Emergency Service and our state’s hospitals Emergency Departments.
WIO Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lynn Jarvis, said,
“This year’s winner demonstrated a deep commitment to change and a willingness to enact concrete measures to create this change. Tasmania Police is committed to being an organisation inclusive of diverse sexualities and genders, and also notably to the importance of community policing."
The Dorothies Award was accepted on behalf of Tasmania Police by Commissioner of Police Darren Hine, who said,
“Over many years, Tasmania Police has worked very hard to be inclusive and respectful, working together with the LGBTI community to foster positive relationships and attitudes.
"Internally we have also made positive cultural changes in relation to inclusion and respect, and we celebrate diversity.
“These include the formation of the LGBTI Strategic Network which offers assistance and support to members, staff and volunteers within the emergency services who identify as LGBTI or who require support for a family member.
“Tasmania Police has created LGBTI Liaison Officer roles across the state who work with the LGBTI community to foster and maintain positive and respectful relationships between Tasmania Police and the LGBTI community.
“Whilst I am proud of our achievements in being an organisation that values diversity and ensures our services meet the needs of all members of the community, we still have work to do. We will continue to work with the community to make sure we are an inclusive and supportive workplace.”
Commissioner Hine also reflected on the address given by Associate Professor of Police Studies, and researcher into how LGBTI people experience policing, Dr Angela Dwyer, noting that her talk and research were important reminders of why their work in this area was necessary.
Also at this morning's event, Tasmania’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Jeremy Rockliff, spoke about the importance of young people having safe and inclusive environments in which to receive their education.
He then announced that the 2020 Dorothies Award will be for inclusive practice in educational institutions, including early childhood, primary and high schools, colleges, tertiary institutions and registered training organisations.
Two photos of the award recipients from today's IDAHOBIT breakfast are attached.
For a copy of this statement on the web, click here
For more information contact Dr Lynn Jarvis on 0408 265 045.
