Media Release
Saturday November 22nd 2025
Tas local government conference encourages councils to develop LGBTIQA+ inclusion policies
Call on state to fund development of inclusion guides for local government
Equality Tasmania has welcomed support from the state’s local government conference for councils to consult with the LGBTIQA community and develop action plans.
The motion passed at this week’s Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) Conference was a combination of motions from Hobart and Kingborough with an amendment calling for the state government to provide resources (motion attached).
Equality Tasmania spokesperson, Trenton Hoare, said,
“Local government has a vital role to play in fostering inclusion and reducing discrimination against LGBTIQA+ people so we welcome the LGAT Conference motion.”
“A number of Tasmanian councils are already leading the way on LGBTIQA+ inclusion, including Hobart, Kingborough, Glenorchy, Launceston and Burnie.”
“The motion will encourage other councils to listen to their LGBTIQA+ residents and take actions that ensure those residents have a greater sense of belonging and do not face discrimination.”
“We applaud the motion and seek to work with any council that wants to be more LGBTIQA+ inclusive.”
“We also call on the State Government to fund LGAT to develop LGBTIQA+ guidelines and resources to help local governments respond to the needs of their LGBTIQA+ residents, similar to resources in some other states."
There has been a significant increase in the number of Tasmanian councils taking action on LGBTIQA+ inclusion in the last five years.
Tasmanian councils that have conducted community surveys, appointed advisory groups, and have developed, or are developing, action plans include
Kingborough
Hobart
Glenorchy
Brighton
Launceston
Burnie
Tasmanian councils that have taken other actions such as rainbow flag raising or support for pride events include
Central Coast
Meander Valley
Derwent Valley
Huon Valley
Clarence
Devonport
For a copy of this statement on the web, click here
