NSW Election 2011 GLBT Survey by Aconhealth

NSW Election 2011 GLBT Policy Survey The NSW state election will take place on Saturday 26 March. To help inform your vote, ACON, the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby and Positive Life NSW have surveyed the three major parties as well as key independents on a range of issues relevant to the GLBT community and people with HIV. Find out how they responded to questions on key policy issues such as: JJ HIV JJ Homophobic Violence and Bullying JJ Equality and Anti-Discrimination JJ Mental Health JJ Parenting JJ Ageing

All responses provided by each party/candidate have been reproduced in their entirety without alteration or addition. For more information visit:

www.acon.org.au/election www.glrl.org.au

CONTENTS

JJ1. Equality and Social Inclusion............................................................................................................. 1 JJ2. Anti-Discrimination............................................................................................................................... 5 JJ3. HIV................................................................................................................................................................ 7 JJ4. GLBT Health.............................................................................................................................................. 9 JJ5. Ageing........................................................................................................................................................ 11 JJ6. Violence...................................................................................................................................................... 13 JJ7. Education.................................................................................................................................................. 17 JJ8. Parenting................................................................................................................................................... 19 JJ9. Prisoner Health........................................................................................................................................ 21 JJ10. Sex Worker Health............................................................................................................................... 23 JJ11. Blood Borne Viruses............................................................................................................................ 25

1. EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION JJ A re you committed to legislative and social equality for GLBT people in NSW?

JJ D o you support the policy of a dedicated portfolio area for GLBT issues?

JJ H ow have you advanced GLBT equality in the last parliamentary term?

JJ A re you committed to involving GLBT groups and other appropriate community based organisations in the process of making decisions and setting priorities on issues affecting the GLBT community? How do you currently fulfil this commitment?

JJ W hat strategies will you adopt to ensure such equality in the next parliamentary term? JJ D o you support the policy of the development of a GLBT ministerial advisory committee on health and safety?

Liberal/National The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to being a government that strengthen people’s choices, opportunities and freedoms. Our community is diverse and mutual respect must always be its cornerstone. Our government will expect all its services to be delivered reliably and responsively to all its citizens without discrimination. The important reforms that have secured GLBT equality are assured.

should expect the same from a Government led by Barry O’Farrell. There are good working relationships between key organisations such as the GLRL and ACON and Members of our parliamentary team (and with candidates such as Bruce Notley-Smith and Adrian Bartels who we hope will be elected as part of our team). We intend to build on these existing relationships.

There have been a number of pieces of legislation concerning GLBT equality during the last parliamentary term. The NSW Liberals and Nationals accorded their Members a conscience vote on each of these. Major political parties, after all, reflect the differences of opinion in society. Many important reforms have been passed with conscience votes exercised by MPs across party lines. For example, the support of a number of NSW Liberals and Nationals Members was crucial to securing the numbers to pass the Adoption Amendment Bill, which was a private member’s bill.

Good government must understand the aspirations of people and communities. The NSW Liberals and Nationals believe that the interests of GLBT people in NSW are the concern of every Minister. The GLBT community is diverse and its interests are best served as an integral part of our state’s affairs rather than as adjunct. All Ministers will consult with the key stakeholders concerned with their portfolio area while formulating policy and executing the passage and implementation of legislation. We continue to favour mechanisms that ensure a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to the issues and not restricted to just health and safety.

The previous Liberal/National Coalition State Government under Premiers Nick Greiner and John Fahey had an excellent relationship with the GLBT community and you

1. EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION JJ A re you committed to legislative and social equality for GLBT people in NSW?

JJ D o you support the policy of a dedicated portfolio area for GLBT issues?

JJ H ow have you advanced GLBT equality in the last parliamentary term?

Labor Is your party committed to legislative and social equality for GLBT people in NSW?

Does your party support the development of a GLBT ministerial advisory committee on health and safety?

Supporting the GLBTI community and acting to remove discrimination is one of our core values. Labor upholds the political and social values of equality, democracy, liberty and social cooperation.

The Labor Party has always placed health and safety as one of its key priorities. We will consider the establishment of a GLBTI ministerial advisory committee on health and safety, as well as any other measures that improve outcomes in these areas.

Labor actively works towards the elimination of discrimination and exploitation on the grounds of class, race, sex, sexuality, sex and/or gender status, religion, political affiliation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, regional location, or economic or household status.

Does your party have a dedicated portfolio area or dedicated spokesperson on GLBT issues? Rainbow Labor is the internal organisation for GLBTI Labor members and supporters. Rainbow Labor’s aim is to promote full equality for the GLBTI community.

What has your party done to advance GLBT equality in the last parliamentary term?

Rainbow Labor works to acknowledge the progress made through the Labor movement, and takes action to advance further reforms where more needs to be done.

Same sex couples in NSW are now treated equally with other couples in all areas of the law.

Every year Rainbow Labor marches in the Mardi Gras Parade, participates in community consultations, organises forums and fundraisers, and advocates for GLBTI issues within the party.

Since coming to office Labor has systematically removed laws and policies discriminating against same sex couples, included transgender status in anti discrimination law, equalised the age of consent and advanced the rights of children of same sex couples.

Labor has the only two openly lesbian MPs in the NSW parliament, Penny Sharpe and Helen Westwood. They take an active interest and are strong advocates for the GLBTI community.

In the last parliamentary term Labor:

• • •

Removed discrimination against same sex couples and their children by recognising lesbian co-parents on their children’s birth certificates, and removed discrimination from more than 50 laws.

Is your party committed to involving GLBT groups and other appropriate community based organisations in the process of making decisions and setting priorities on issues affecting the GLBT community? How does your party currently fulfil this commitment?

Introduced a Relationships Register to make it easier for all couples to have their relationship recognised.

Labor Ministers and MPs routinely consult with members of the GLBTI community and their organisations across a wide range of issues. GLBTI organisations have been included in government initiatives such as the Ageing summit, Drug Summit and other forums.

Premier Kristina Keneally and other Labor MPs actively supported the bill to remove the ban on same sex couples from adopting.

What strategies will your party adopt to ensure such equality in the next parliamentary term?

Rainbow Labor also provides a central point for the development and advocacy of GLBTI policies within Labor.

NSW Labor will continue to promote equality and full rights for the GLBTI community based on our core beliefs.

1. EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION JJ A re you committed to legislative and social equality for GLBT people in NSW?

JJ D o you support the policy of a dedicated portfolio area for GLBT issues?

JJ H ow have you advanced GLBT equality in the last parliamentary term?

Clover Moore Are you committed to legislative and social equality for GLBT people in NSW?

What strategies will you adopt to ensure such equality in the next parliamentary term?

I will continue to work with these communities to achieve legal and social equality.

I intend to seek a review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 exemptions that allow some employers and organisations to promote prejudice and discriminate.

How have you advanced GLBT equality in the last parliamentary term?

It is vital that community education and enforcement action is used to embed fair treatment in institutions and the wider community, and I will continue to push for homophobia education and prevention programs, particularly in schools.

My Adoption Amendment (Same Sex Couples) Bill 2010 removed the exclusion of same sex couples from access to adoption, a significant barrier to families headed by same sex couples. I continued to ask Parliamentary Questions on GLBT concerns such as homophobia prevention and policing of gay events.

Constituents who have contacted me strongly support the community campaign for reform of the Marriage Act, and I intend to continue supporting this campaign including, if it is constitutional, introducing a private members bill.

I supported the Relationships Register Bill to allow recognition of de facto or couple relationships, ensuring their rights as a couple. The bill was a watered down version of the Significant Personal Relationships Bill I introduced 13 years ago.

Do you support the policy of a dedicated portfolio area for GLBT issues? I am committed to ensure that GLBT community concerns are heard and acted upon at the highest levels of Government, and will support strategies that GLBT communities identify are needed to achieve this action.

Similarly, I supported the Miscellaneous Acts Amendment (Same Sex Relationships) Bill 2008, which amended 57 Acts, regulations and by-laws to treat de facto relationships consistently for both heterosexual and same-sex couples, including to ensure both lesbian parents who conceive through donor insemination are listed on their child’s birth certificate.

Are you committed to involving GLBT groups and other appropriate community based organisations in the process of making decisions and setting priorities on issues affecting the GLBT community? How do you currently fulfil this commitment?

I also supported the community campaign in support of Commonwealth law reform, including marriage legislation, and lobbied for federal discrimination protection in aged care facilities. (2)

My Electorate Officers attend the Anti-Discrimination Board’s regular Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Consultation meetings, and I regularly speak at community events and rallies. My staff took part in the NSW Government’s consultation on action to address homophobic violence, and regularly work with GLBT advocacy organisations.

In response to my advocacy about poor police response to crimes against the gay and lesbian community, the Surry Hills Police Command engaged a new Commander who is also the State Gay, Lesbian, Transgender Police Corporate Spokesperson. She has rebuilt relationships with the gay and lesbian community and all police officers have been trained to respond to reports of violence and to use the Sexual Preference Prejudice category for data collection so that Police record and monitor hate crimes based on sexuality.

I take action on the issues raised by GLBT representative organisations. I also use feedback and comment from the City of Sydney’s GLBT Forums and GLBT Coordinator.

1. EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION JJ A re you committed to legislative and social equality for GLBT people in NSW?

JJ D o you support the policy of a dedicated portfolio area for GLBT issues?

JJ H ow have you advanced GLBT equality in the last parliamentary term?

Greens Is your party committed to legislative and social equality for GLBT people in NSW?

• Hosted a parliamentary forum on the issue of homophobic bullying in schools and ran a successful campaign to encourage government action on alarming statistics relating to homophobia in schools.

Yes - The Greens uphold and defend the dignity and humanity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and sex and/or gender diverse persons. The Greens do not tolerate a person being harassed, abused, vilified, stigmatised, discriminated against, disadvantaged or exploited because they are, or are perceived to be, sex and/or gender diverse, bisexual, gay, or lesbian. The Greens acknowledge the diversity of the community, their special needs as a disadvantaged community, the strength and durability of their aspirations and their unique and valuable contribution to society.

What strategies will your party adopt to ensure such equality in the next parliamentary term? The Greens will continue to make full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and sex and/or gender diverse persons a priority for our work in the NSW Parliament. The Greens have limited opportunities in Parliaments to introduce our own legislation, but have consistently used some of these for action on full equality, for example, the Greens’ bill for removing exemptions to anti-discrimination legislation in NSW and the Australian Greens federal marriage equality bill. The Greens will continue to use this strategy in NSW to work towards full equality.

The Greens are committed to the fulfilment of the above principles through change in: the law; government policy; and community attitudes. The full Greens NSW Sexuality and Gender Identity Policy is publicly available here: http:// nsw.greens.org.au/policies/sexuality

The Greens also engage with all sides of politics to lobby for full equality and policy change. Combined with effective community and media campaigning, the Greens will pressure governments and the Parliament to continue moving towards full equality. The Greens play an important role in holding the larger parties to account.

What has your party done to advance GLBT equality in the last parliamentary term? The Greens have a strong record of advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and sex and/or gender diverse persons. The Greens position on all related questions of policy is that all instances of discrimination, whether in legislation or in the community, are unacceptable and should be challenged and removed.

Does your party support the development of a GLBT ministerial advisory committee on health and safety? Yes

As always, the Greens have continued to be active on full equality in the NSW Parliament during the current term. The Greens in NSW have:

Does your party have a dedicated portfolio area or dedicated spokesperson on GLBT issues? Yes – Cate Faehrmann MLC is the Greens NSW Sexuality & Gender Identity spokesperson

• Initiated parliamentary motions, questions, and adjournment speeches on the issues of marriage equality, exemptions to anti-discrimination legislation, homophobia and homophobic bullying, sex and gender classification.

• Supported same-sex adoption legislation and attempted to block related exemptions for religious organisations. • Supported relationships recognition legislation.

Yes - The Greens are committed to, and engage in, broad stakeholder, community and political consultation. Greens MPs will continue to regularly meet with relevant groups, including ACON, GLRL, PositiveLifeNSW, PFLAG, Gender Centre Inc and others.

• Announced intention to move for marriage equality in NSW if the Greens’ marriage equality legislation is unsuccessful in the Australian Federal Parliament. • Supported surrogacy reform legislation and opposed lastminute amendments which impose criminal sanctions for commercial and overseas surrogacy.

2. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION JJ

ould you support the removal of the broad W exemptions of religious organisations, charities and voluntary bodies to discriminate on the ground of homosexuality in areas such as education, aged care and community services?

ould you support the funding of GLBT sensitivity W training for public sector employees and contracted service providers to reduce discrimination?

ould you support a non-discrimination clause for all W contracts between the NSW Government and service providers?

Liberal/National As has been recently demonstrated, significant reform is best secured through a practical collaboration between the major parties giving due consideration to balancing the aspirations and interests of all concerned. Sometimes, this has involved the granting of exemptions. The NSW Liberals and Nationals do not support removal of these exemptions.

and their colleagues fairly and consistently in a nondiscriminatory manner with proper regard for their rights and obligations. A NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will require all NSW Departments and public sector employers to act in accordance with the provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Act. We will require Departments to provide training for their employees to ensure that they are aware of their obligations under the Act.

Public sector employees are subject to a code of conduct which requires them to treat Members of the public

Labor Will your party remove the broad exemptions of religious organisations, charities and voluntary bodies to discriminate on the ground of homosexuality in areas such as education, aged care and community services?

Labor believes that all workplaces should be free from discrimination and harassment. We will consider the proposal to fund GLBTI sensitivity training for public sector employees. Labor works to ensure that managers and supervisors in Government agencies create and maintain a work environment free from bullying and from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Extensive information about Government employees’ rights and obligations in relation to the elimination of discrimination and harassment is available on the website of the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s public sector employment web pages.

This provision in Anti-Discrimination law provides some exemptions in relation to religious institutions or private educational authorities. Since the introduction of the Anti-Discrimination Act in 1977, there has been general bi-partisan support for the need to maintain a balance between protecting individuals from unlawful discrimination, while allowing people to practice their own religious beliefs and have their own opinions when operating in the private, rather than public, sphere.

Labor also provides funding for community organisations to provide training and workshops for sensitivity training and other GLBTI support. An example of this is the recent $10,000 grant for a local youth project called Out West, which aims to establish a support forum for same sex attracted young people in Western Sydney. The forum will provide a safe environment where same sex attracted young people could meet and socialise with a support person available.

Any proposals to make changes to exemptions in relation to religious institutions or private educational authorities could be considered in future reviews of the legislation, such as the work by the Standing Committees of Attorney General on harmonisation of anti-discrimination regimes. Will your party commit to funding GLBT sensitivity training for public sector employees and contracted service providers to reduce discrimination?

Will your party support a non-discrimination clause for all contracts between the NSW Government and service providers?

In all NSW workplaces, including Government workplaces, it is illegal to discriminate against, or harass, someone because:

Currently, all contracts undertaken within the State of NSW are subject to our anti-discrimination laws ensuring that discrimination is prohibited. We would welcome any proposals to further reduce discriminatory conduct.

- they are gay or lesbian, or people think they are gay or lesbian - t hey are transgender or people think they are transgender

2. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION JJ

ould you support the funding of GLBT sensitivity W training for public sector employees and contracted service providers to reduce discrimination?

ould you support a non-discrimination clause for all W contracts between the NSW Government and service providers?

Clover Moore Would you support the removal of the broad exemptions of religious organisations, charities and voluntary bodies to discriminate on the ground of homosexuality in areas such as education, aged care and community services?

Would you support a non-discrimination clause for all contracts between the NSW Government and service providers? All bodies funded by government should operate without discrimination unless there are specific pro-social needs, as apply for Twenty10 Youth Services and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s refuges. While there are clauses in most contracts/agreements, they are not imposed on all organisations, or enforced.

I have argued for the removal of provisions that allow discrimination over many years, and will continue to promote this reform. Would you support the funding of GLBT sensitivity training for public sector employees and contracted service providers to reduce discrimination? Yes, Government has a key role in promoting a culture that rejects discrimination and prejudice. (3)

Greens Will your party remove the broad exemptions of religious organisations, charities and voluntary bodies to discriminate on the ground of homosexuality in areas such as education, aged care and community services? Yes Will your party commit to funding GLBT sensitivity training for public sector employees and contracted service providers to reduce discrimination? Yes Will your party support a non-discrimination clause for all contracts between the NSW Government and service providers? Yes

3. HIV JJ

ould you support the policy of maintaining or W increasing in real terms the current levels of investment in HIV/AIDS in NSW?

ould you support the renewal or development of a W NSW HIV Strategy?

ould you support the policy of funding a pilot project W trialling rapid HIV testing provided by a community based organisation?

ould you support a pilot project to allow community W pharmacies to dispense HIV medications?

ould you support policies to reduce the discrimination W experienced by people with HIV in the health system through HIV education campaigns and HIV awareness training for staff?

Liberal/National The NSW Liberals and Nationals appreciate that our State’s multi-faceted response to HIV has been central to keeping the infection rate in NSW low and relatively stable in recent years. The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to ensuring that HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment initiatives continue to receive an appropriate share of government funding. The NSW Liberals and Nationals endorse the 2010-13 National HIV Strategy and commit to the renewal or development of a NSW HIV Strategy.

be separated from expert counselling services and that pharmaceuticals should only be dispensed by people appropriately qualified to provide expert advice about all aspects of health management. There will be no tolerance for discrimination in any part of the health system in relation to HIV/Hep C or any other illness and appropriate education programs to address this issue will be put in place. It was the Coalition State Government led by Premier John Fahey that introduced legislation against the

While we recognise the benefits of a varied approach, the question of which specific programs are adopted will be subject to budgetary considerations and the outcome of consultations with stakeholders and expert medical practitioners.

vilification of people with HIV-AIDS and the Liberals remain committed to addressing discrimination against people with HIV and ensuring that all patients in our health system receive the highest standard of care without discrimination.

In relation to the actual treatment of HIV infection, the NSW Liberals and Nationals believe that, given the complexity of the issues involved, testing procedures should never

Premier Fahey’s Government also provided ACON with its offices in Commonwealth Street.

Clover Moore Would you support the policy of maintaining or increasing in real terms the current levels of investment in HIV/AIDS in NSW?

Would you support a pilot project to allow community pharmacies to dispense HIV medications? Yes, I support practical and innovative measures to address health and welfare concerns.

Australia’s successful HIV/AIDS strategies rely on maintaining education and support programs that meet current needs and reach target groups at risk, and I support this investment. I note the research identifying a return of $13 for every $1 invested in HIV prevention.

Would you support policies to reduce the discrimination experienced by people with HIV in the health system through HIV education campaigns and HIV awareness training for staff?

Would you support the renewal or development of a NSW HIV Strategy?

I share community concern that people with HIV not suffer discrimination from health services, which are vital to their survival and health. All health workers should understand and respond appropriately, based on need rather than prejudice.

Yes, community health policy and programs require regular updating. Would you support the policy of funding a pilot project trialling rapid HIV testing provided by a community based organisation? I note the recent research identifying a drop in the HIV testing rate, and support the proposal to trial rapid HIV testing.

3. HIV JJ

ould you support the policy of maintaining or W increasing in real terms the current levels of investment in HIV/AIDS in NSW?

ould you support the renewal or development of a W NSW HIV Strategy?

ould you support the policy of funding a pilot project W trialling rapid HIV testing provided by a community based organisation?

ould you support a pilot project to allow community W pharmacies to dispense HIV medications?

ould you support policies to reduce the discrimination W experienced by people with HIV in the health system through HIV education campaigns and HIV awareness training for staff?

Labor Will your party commit to maintaining or increasing in real terms the current levels of investment in HIV/AIDS in NSW?

rates stabilised and the use of illicit drugs has decreased. Labor committed and spent more than $150 million per year on drug treatment and prevention measures which include a range of education, treatment and prevention programs designed to drive down drug use.

In 2010/11, the NSW Government is investing more than $110 million in direct efforts to prevent HIV, sexually transmissible infections and hepatitis C, and to provide treatment and support for people living with or affected by these conditions.

Will your party commit to the renewal or development of a NSW HIV Strategy? Labor is proud of its record on HIV prevention, and is committed to the successful programs currently in place. We will continue to consider any new proposals that are shown to be effective.

Approximately $46.5 million was spent directly on prevention and control activities. This has proved to be a sound investment. Independent analysis concluded that the HIV prevention program prevented some 45,000 HIV infections and 2,750 deaths in NSW.

Will your party commit to funding a pilot project trialling rapid HIV testing provided by a community based organisation?

For example, programs such as the Needle and Syringe Program have proven highly successful in preventing the spread of infections such as of HIV and Hepatitis C among drug users.

As above. Will your party support a pilot project to allow community pharmacies to dispense HIV medications? As above.

We are a signatory to the National Drug Strategy which includes harm reduction as one of three key approaches to tackling drug use and harm in Australia. Harm reduction is about reducing the harm of drug use both to individuals and minimising the transmission of HIV and blood-borne viruses and reducing other drug related harm in the community. In NSW, we have seen positive results with HIV

Will your party reduce the discrimination experienced by people with HIV in the health system through HIV education campaigns and HIV awareness training for staff? As above.

Greens Will your party commit to maintaining or increasing in real terms the current levels of investment in HIV/AIDS in NSW?

Will your party support a pilot project to allow community pharmacies to dispense HIV medications?

Yes

Will your party reduce the discrimination experienced by people with HIV in the health system through HIV education campaigns and HIV awareness training for staff?

Yes

Will your party commit to the renewal or development of a NSW HIV Strategy? Yes

Yes

Will your party commit to funding a pilot project trialling rapid HIV testing provided by a community based organisation? Yes

4. GLBT HEALTH JJ

ow would you achieve improvements on the H accessibility of health services for the GLBT community?

ould you commit to support funding specialised W health promotion and health services addressing the particular health needs of the GLBT community in NSW?

ould you support a policy that recognises GLBT people W as a priority group for suicide prevention and mental health policy and services?

ould you support programs that address problematic W alcohol use amongst GLBT people through prevention, early intervention and treatment such as those developed by ACON?

ould you support addressing the specific needs W of lesbians and same sex attracted women through inclusive policies and targeted health promotion interventions?

Liberal/National Restoring quality health services is a key part of our five point plan for the State. We want NSW to offer the highest quality and standard of health services in Australia. Early intervention and prevention are key principles that will lead to better health outcomes. We also place great value on local decision-making and community partnerships.

The Shadow Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, has announced that a NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will provide $10 million in increased funding for drug and alcohol treatment programs, and will welcome participation by agencies, including non-government organisations, in the endeavour. We welcome ideas regarding initiatives that specifically address drug addiction or alcohol abuse in the GLBT community.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals recognise that GLBT people are a higher-risk group for a range of mental and physical health issues, particularly suicide and sexually-transmitted diseases. Targeted awareness and prevention campaigns for key at-risk groups and specialised treatments for those with particular health needs form a part of a responsible approach to health services.

Other specific health and mental health initiatives and services are supported will be subject to budgetary considerations and the outcome of consultations with stakeholders and expert medical practitioners.

Labor How will your party improve the accessibility of health services for the GLBT community?

Will your party support programs that address problematic alcohol use amongst GLBT people through prevention, early intervention and treatment such as those developed by ACON?

The Labor Party is committed to providing safe and equitable access to health services for everyone in NSW. Our commitment to funding organisations like ACON in the important work they do with the GLBTI community through advocacy and education remains unchanged.

ACON does very good work in this area and we will continue to provide ongoing funding for them. Will your party address the specific needs of lesbians and same sex attracted women through inclusive policies and targeted health promotion interventions?

Will your party commit to funding specialised health promotion and health services addressing the particular health needs of the GLBT community in NSW?

Under Labor, the NSW Government developed a $50 million, five-year Domestic and Family Violence Action Plan ‘Stop the Violence, End the Silence’. This Action Plan recognises that women in same-sex relationships sometimes have quite complex needs that warrant more targeted responses.

Labor has been working with ACON since 1995 and their work has contributed to improved health outcomes for the communities that it serves. We will continue to support ACON and our commitment to this funding is unwavering. Will your party recognise GLBT people as a priority group for suicide prevention and mental health policy and services?

As part of the Action Plan the Government released a new ‘onestop-shop’ website – www.domesticviolence.nsw.gov.au which provides targeted information to women in same-sex relationships who have experienced or are at risk of domestic violence.

The Labor Government recognises that these are very important issues for the GLBTI community and is looking at ways at actively improving our actions in this area.

The NSW Government consulted with ACON, Inner City Legal Centre and the Gender Centre to develop this page. Also under Labor, the NSW Government committed $2.9 million annually for Domestic Violence Grants programs to support women in same-sex relationships.

4. GLBT HEALTH JJ

ow would you achieve improvements on the H accessibility of health services for the GLBT community?

ould you commit to support funding specialised W health promotion and health services addressing the particular health needs of the GLBT community in NSW?

ould you support programs that address problematic W alcohol use amongst GLBT people through prevention, early intervention and treatment such as those developed by ACON?

ould you support addressing the specific needs W of lesbians and same sex attracted women through inclusive policies and targeted health promotion interventions?

ould you support a policy that recognises GLBT people W as a priority group for suicide prevention and mental health policy and services?

Clover Moore How would you achieve improvements on the accessibility of health services for the GLBT community?

Would you support programs that address problematic alcohol use amongst GLBT people through prevention, early intervention and treatment such as those developed by ACON?

I believe that all health service providers should provide safe and appropriate general health services for all in the community, and support homophobia education of health service providers. I support specialist programs that meet the specific needs of the GLBT community being provided from organisations based in and responsible to those communities.

Alcohol/drug detoxification, treatment and rehabilitation programs are seriously under-resourced, and I have consistently argued for services to meet community need. I support expanding services that address these health concerns, including those for GLBT people. I support prevention programs that are targeted to specific population groupsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs.

Would you commit to support funding specialised health promotion and health services addressing the particular health needs of the GLBT community in NSW?

Would you support addressing the specific needs of lesbians and same sex attracted women through inclusive policies and targeted health promotion interventions?

As above, I support accessible generic health services for all the community, with specialised services where needed for population groups with specific needs.

There is increasing recognition of gender as a factor in health concerns and treatment, and lesbian women have not generally been identified as needing specific programs or messages. I support this move.

Would you support a policy that recognises GLBT people as a priority group for suicide prevention and mental health policy and services? The evidence shows that GLBT people experience higher rates of mental illness and suicide, and this requires specific targeted programs.

Greens How will your party improve the accessibility of health services for the GLBT community?

Will your party support programs that address problematic alcohol use amongst GLBT people through prevention, early intervention and treatment such as those developed by ACON?

The Greens support calls for a comprehensive strategy to ensure that all in the community have access to equitable health services. The Greens recognise the community as a priority group which requires acknowledgement across a range of health strategies.

Yes Will your party address the specific needs of lesbians and same sex attracted women through inclusive policies and targeted health promotion interventions?

Will your party commit to funding specialised health promotion and health services addressing the particular health needs of the GLBT community in NSW?

Yes

Yes Will your party recognise GLBT people as a priority group for suicide prevention and mental health policy and services? Yes

5. AGEING JJ

ould you support the development of policies similar W to the Positive Ageing Framework to fund programs that promote social inclusion and participation of older GLBT people and older people with HIV in NSW?

ould you support the reduction of experiences of W discrimination that many older members of the GLBT community and older people with HIV experience through workforce training development and improving standards of care?

Liberal/National The NSW Liberals and Nationals welcome the recommendations of the recent Productivity Commission report into the provision of aged-care services, which recognises the specific needs of older GLBT residents in aged care facilities. We believe that everyone in the GLBT community, regardless of age and HIV status, should be able to lead their lives free from discrimination.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals were first to propose and supported our State’s carers’ recognition legislation, which combats discrimination experienced by carers as well as recognising the valuable contribution of carers to our society and the benefit, including the social and economic benefit, provided by carers to the wider community. The legislation provides – through a carers assessment – for the interests, needs and choices of carers to be considered in decisions about the provision of services that impact on their role. Among others, this legislation assists the carers of older people living with chronic illnesses including HIV/ AIDS.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to lifting the standard of health care and aged care services for all members of the community. Acknowledging the discrimination experienced by many older members of the GLBT community, including those with HIV AIDS, a NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is interested in co-producing policies and programs in partnership with the GLBT community. Preliminary discussions have already commenced between ACON and our Shadow Minister for Ageing, Andrew Constance.

Labor Will your party develop policies similar to the Positive Ageing Framework to fund programs that promote social inclusion and participation of older GLBT people and older people with HIV in NSW?

Government include:

•

The Labor Party will continue to take action on the social inclusion agenda as it relates to older people and the GLBTI community.

•

Since 2008 the Government has provided ACON a number of grants for its events that support older people and promote social inclusion of older GLBTI people. Funding was provided between 2008 and 2011 to deliver free events during NSW Seniors Week.

ACON and Alzheimers NSW released a report on dementia and GLBT communities which was supported by the Government’s Office for Ageing in 2009. ACON participates on the NSW Planning for Later Life forum, which is an inter agency forum with secretariat support from the Office for Ageing.

Will your party reduce the experiences of discrimination that many older members of the GLBT community and older people with HIV experience through workforce training development and improving standards of care?

The Minister for Ageing, Peter Primrose, successfully lobbied the Federal Government to fund a training package to assist aged care providers working with GLBTI people.

Labor will continue to pursue initiatives which fight discrimination against older members of the GLBTI community.

Other initiatives that have been supported by the NSW

5. AGEING JJ

Clover Moore Would you support the development of policies similar to the Positive Ageing Framework to fund programs that promote social inclusion and participation of older GLBT people and older people with HIV in NSW?

Would you support the reduction of experiences of discrimination that many older members of the GLBT community and older people with HIV experience through workforce training development and improving standards of care?

While the Government has talked about positive ageing, there have been few measures to ensure older people are active participants in the community, with notable exceptions of groups such as Older Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network and MAG.

Yes, I support these measures.

Greens Will your party develop policies similar to the Positive Ageing Framework to fund programs that promote social inclusion and participation of older GLBT people and older people with HIV in NSW? Yes Will your party reduce the experiences of discrimination that many older members of the GLBT community and older people with HIV experience through workforce training development and improving standards of care? Yes

6. VIOLENCE JJ

hat strategies would you employ to combat W homophobia, violence, harassment and vilification experienced by the GLBT community in NSW?

ould you support funding an anti-homophobia W campaign to reduce experiences of discrimination, harassment and violence in the general community?

ould you support a policy to improve the reporting W and recording of homophobic violence?

ow would you ensure accessibility to the existing Gay H and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) program run by NSW Police by GLBT people across NSW?across NSW?

Liberal/National Violence in the GLBT community is a major concern for the NSW Liberals and Nationals. The GLBT community experiences higher levels of actual violence and fear of violence then the broader community. This phenomenon is a direct result of the community’s historic marginalization and something which we are focused on combating, as safety and security is the key to living a happy and healthy life.

We continue to support the NSW Police Force’s Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) program. The GLLO program was first established under Ted Pickering, Minister for Police, in the Greiner and Fahey Governments. GLLO’s provide support to GLBT people and can increase rates of reporting of homophobic violence. The Shadow Minister for Police, Mike Gallacher, was himself a GLLO when he was serving in the Police Force in Internal Affairs, so knows how valuable the program is. By creating a direct link between the Police and the GLBT community, evolving problems can be addressed quickly, achieving better outcomes. The NSW Liberals and Nationals would be interested in hearing from the community the ways in which the program could be further enhanced.

All the social science research shows that younger generations are more tolerant towards the GLBT community. Acceptance of GLBT people is growing and occurring at a speed which is unprecedented measured against other historically marginalized communities. This attitudinal change will have direct benefits to the safety and security of the community.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals believe that sometimes the best solutions to problems can be found at the local and community levels. Programs which have been run by ACON and other GLBT organisations, such as the Safe Place program, are important initiatives. When the Coalition was last in office it proudly funded community-based Gay and Lesbian Anti-violence programs. Educational campaigns have the ability to increase tolerance and acceptance. We are supportive of such community-led initiatives and would always be interested in looking at supporting any worthwhile community led program which increases the well-being, safety and security of the GLBT community.

However, the NSW Liberals and Nationals believe that Government has a role to play in helping shift attitudes. A ‘whole-of-government’ approach is necessary with input from the NSW Police Force, Communities Services, the AttorneyGeneral’s Department, Education and Health officials. As a principle, we believe that early intervention and prevention must be central to any good social policy. The NSW Liberals and Nationals’ supports the ‘Proud Schools’ trial, which we hope will bring direct benefits to educating young people about sexual diversity and creating a culture which accepts difference. The NSW Liberals and Nationals looks forward to the results of this trial and has high hopes that the program, if successful, could be further developed.

6. VIOLENCE JJ

hat strategies would you employ to combat W homophobia, violence, harassment and vilification experienced by the GLBT community in NSW?

ould you support funding an anti-homophobia W campaign to reduce experiences of discrimination, harassment and violence in the general community?

ould you support a policy to improve the reporting W and recording of homophobic violence?

ow would you ensure accessibility to the existing Gay H and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) program run by NSW Police by GLBT people across NSW?across NSW?

Labor •

What strategies will your party employ to combat homophobia, violence, harassment and vilification experienced by the GLBT community in NSW? Labor believes that people are entitled to respect, equality, dignity and the opportunity to participate in society free of hatred or harassment regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

•

We have a strong history of legal reform aimed at ensuring the equal treatment of GLBTI people in NSW. We have worked to address violence against GLBTI people. While great strides have been taken, we are determined to ensure NSW remains a safe and supportive place for the GLBTI community. We have:

•

Established the NSW Anti Homophobia Interagency (NSW AHI). Established the Same Sex Domestic Violence Interagency (SSDVI) which has worked with non-government agencies to tackle same sex domestic violence.

•

Created the Understanding Your Legal Rights: A Guide for Lesbians and Gay Men in NSW resource providing information on how the law affects the GLBTI community NSW.

• •

We have taken steps to foster a culture within the NSW Police Force that understands the specific concerns and needs of the GLBTI community:

•

NSW Police Force is also a key partner in the “Seen it, Heard it, Report it” Anti-GLBT violence program being run in the City of Sydney.

Contributing funding through the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program to Twenty10, a community organisation which provides support services to GLBTI young people. Trained 200 NSW Police officers to be Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers. GLLOs work within their commands to ensure that all police officers are equipped to respond to victims of prejudice-related violence.

We have reduced the number of discriminatory provisions in NSW legislation:

Labor has developed a whole of government strategy which is available at http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/cpd/ ll_cpd.nsf/vwPrint1/CPD_strategic_framework_7

•

The Surry Hills LAC Commander, Superintendent Donna Adney, has in conjunction with ACON, established a set of protocols for reporting homophobic violence and stepped up patrols of the Oxford St precinct.

We have provided support for victims of prejudice-related violence including:

Implemented the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Strategic Responses to Violence Grants Program.

•

NSW Police Force has established a regular schedule of meetings with Sydney City Council and the AIDS Council of NSW (ACON) to discuss the community’s concerns.

200 police officers are or have been Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers and many are trained in GLBTI issues and positioned in Local Area Commands (LAC), most identified with the GLBT community.

•

60 police officers from the Local Area Command (LAC) most identified with the GLBTI community, Surry Hills, undertook training, on gay, lesbian and transgender issues. Improvements were made to the complaint management systems and processes at Surry Hills LAC following a review undertaken by NSW Police Force Professional Standards Command.

Enacted surrogacy laws that apply equally to heterosexual and same sex couples. Established a relationship register in NSW recognising same sex couples. The register makes it easier for same-sex couples to prove their relationship for the purposes of accessing legal entitlements under NSW and Commonwealth laws Created a mechanism for NSW residents, who were born overseas, to be able to obtain legal recognition of their change of sex. The certificate can, for example, be used when a person is applying for an official document, such as a passport, seeking medical treatment, dealing with Police or applying for Centrelink benefits.

6. VIOLENCE JJ

hat strategies would you employ to combat W homophobia, violence, harassment and vilification experienced by the GLBT community in NSW?

ould you support funding an anti-homophobia W campaign to reduce experiences of discrimination, harassment and violence in the general community?

ould you support a policy to improve the reporting W and recording of homophobic violence?

ow would you ensure accessibility to the existing Gay H and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) program run by NSW Police by GLBT people across NSW?across NSW?

Labor (Continued) •

Will your party fund an anti-homophobia campaign to reduce experiences of discrimination, harassment and violence in the general community?

Taken to the Standing Committee of Attorneys General the matter of unspecified sex on documents to consider the AHRC recommendation that “a person over the age of 18 years should be able to choose to have an unspecified sex noted on documents and records”.

Labor has supported and will continue to support campaigns to combat homophobia and homophobic violence.

Worked with police to tackle prejudice-related violence, including violence motivated by sexuality or gender bias.

Will your party improve the reporting and recording of homophobic violence?

Contributed towards the development of the Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project reporting campaign launched in January 2010.

Police record ‘sexual preference crimes’ where they believe or it is reported by the victim that there has been homophobic violence. We will continue to make changes that strengthen the reporting procedures currently in place.

NSW Police commenced a major project researching and developing specific guidelines for police on key issues facing transgender and intersex people when they come into contact with police including information storage and dissemination, search and custody.

How will your party ensure accessibility to the existing Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) program run by NSW Police by GLBT people across NSW? There are currently around 200 Police trained as GLLOs. We will ensure that the NSW Police will continue to train GLLO’s so that they become more widespread in NSW.

We will continue to build on these initiatives that support the GLBTI community.

Greens What strategies will your party employ to combat homophobia, violence, harassment and vilification experienced by the GLBT community in NSW?

Will your party fund an anti-homophobia campaign to reduce experiences of discrimination, harassment and violence in the general community?

The Greens agree that a whole of government approach is necessary. The police and criminal justice systems should operate hand in hand with a broader strategy which includes crime prevention initiatives and an education approach. The Greens support sexuality and gender identity training at all levels for police and other relevant government agencies, greater funding for communitybased anti-violence and anti-homophobia campaigns, and the removal of exemptions from anti-discrimination legislation.

Yes Will your party improve the reporting and recording of homophobic violence? Yes – The Greens support detailed statistics on hatemotivated crime being maintained by independent agencies and being regularly made public. How will your party ensure accessibility to the existing Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) program run by NSW Police by GLBT people across NSW? The Greens support the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer program and further extensions to the program in consultation with NSW Police.

6. VIOLENCE JJ

hat strategies would you employ to combat W homophobia, violence, harassment and vilification experienced by the GLBT community in NSW?

ould you support funding an anti-homophobia W campaign to reduce experiences of discrimination, harassment and violence in the general community?

ould you support a policy to improve the reporting W and recording of homophobic violence?

ow would you ensure accessibility to the existing Gay H and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) program run by NSW Police by GLBT people across NSW?across NSW?

Clover Moore What strategies would you employ to combat homophobia, violence, harassment and vilification experienced by the GLBT community in NSW?

How would you ensure accessibility to the existing Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) program run by NSW Police by GLBT people across NSW?

Behaviour change programs are vital to ensure that cultural change complements law reform. It is vital that young people in school and during adolescence learn about homophobia and its impacts, and are engaged with changing cultural norms that reinforce discrimination, violence and abuse.

The GLLO program should operate across NSW, and needs regular new recruits and training and in-services. I support all Police Commands having dedicated GLLO positions. At the same time, all Police officers should receive antidiscrimination training. I will continue to work with NSW Police and the Corporate Spokesperson Supt Donna Adney to ensure an effective GLLO program.

Would you support funding an anti-homophobia campaign to reduce experiences of discrimination, harassment and violence in the general community? I have previously supported the Lesbian and Gay AntiViolence Project community campaigns, and will continue to support education and social marketing programs to address homophobia. Would you support a policy to improve the reporting and recording of homophobic violence? I supported the community campaign to reform NSW Police management of homophobia reporting and action in response to these incidents. While Police reporting systems have improved and I get reports of improved police response, it will require systematic cultural change for all police to provide appropriate services for the GLBT community. Campaigns to increase reporting and ongoing community surveys will be required.

7. EDUCATION JJ

ould you support funding an anti-homophobia W campaign to reduce experiences of discrimination, harassment and violence in educational institutions?

ould you support the expansion of programs to W educate and support both teachers and students to address homophobia?

ould you support the explicit and mandatory inclusion W of anti-homophobia policy and enforcement in the NSW primary and secondary schools to reduce homophobic bullying in schools?

ould you support the inclusion of GLBT awareness, W positive GLBT role models and GLBT health into the appropriate curriculum across NSW?

Liberal/National The NSW Liberals and Nationals are concerned about the rates of bullying in schools across the State, including bullying motivated explicitly by homophobia. The Greiner/ Fahey Government introduced Australia’s first set of procedures to protect gay and lesbian school kids from harassment and vilification. We know the effects of bullying can have lasting detrimental effects upon GLBT people. The Government has a responsibility to ensure this problem is addressed and school is a nurturing, supportive and happy environment for all children, no matter what their sexuality or gender identity.

clearly stated his support for the ‘Proud Schools’ trial and will continue the existing trial if elected to Government. The NSW Liberals and Nationals is interested in any measures or programs which would increase acceptance and reduce bullying, harassment and vilification of young GLBT or questioning students. If the trial of ‘Proud Schools’ is successful, the NSW Liberals and Nationals would consider working with school communities to develop a wider program. All schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy and if the trial indicates that this policy needs enhancement in relation to homophobic bullying in schools, this will be implemented.

The Shadow Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli, has

Labor Will your party fund an anti-homophobia campaign to reduce experiences of discrimination, harassment and violence in educational institutions?

bullying in schools?

While NSW public schools already teach a range of modules on diversity and respect, the NSW Education Minister Verity Firth has recently announced a $250,000 pilot program aimed specifically at tackling homophobia in schools.

Will your party support the expansion of programs to educate and support both teachers and students to address homophobia?

As above. There will be further discussion on these issues in the course of the campaign.

The program is called Proud Schools and will be trialled this year in 12 public high schools across Sydney, the Hunter and the Central Coast. Proud Schools recognises that for change to take place, whole school communities need to work together, with parents and teachers playing a key role in identifying and addressing homophobic attitudes.

Will your party support the inclusion of GLBT awareness, positive GLBT role models and GLBT health into the appropriate curriculum across NSW?

Funding for the pilot will be used to run workshops with students and parents to identify specific steps that they think will help address homophobia in schools, and then to develop targeted support resources and train teachers in their use.

Curriculum decisions are made by the independent Board of Studies. This process is important to ensure that the political whims of any given Minister, be they progressive or conservative, don’t infiltrate the curriculum in a way that experts do not agree is appropriate.

A steering group comprising government and non-government agencies will monitor the pilot and report directly to the NSW Education Minister. It is anticipated that the steering group will provide recommendations to the Minister to inform the development of a final Proud Schools program to be rolled out across the State.

In the high school syllabus for Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, teachers address homosexuality in the context of modules related to sexuality. Students learn about issues including consent, privacy, safe sex, recognising the consequences of sexual activity and identifying appropriate sources of support and assistance.

Will your party support the explicit and mandatory inclusion of anti-homophobia policy and enforcement in the NSW primary and secondary schools to reduce homophobic

Labor, if re-elected, will ask the Board of Studies to consider appropriate ways in which to expand content relevant to the needs of same-sex attracted youth.

7. EDUCATION JJ

ould you support funding an anti-homophobia W campaign to reduce experiences of discrimination, harassment and violence in educational institutions?

ould you support the expansion of programs to W educate and support both teachers and students to address homophobia?

ould you support the explicit and mandatory inclusion W of anti-homophobia policy and enforcement in the NSW primary and secondary schools to reduce homophobic bullying in schools?

ould you support the inclusion of GLBT awareness, W positive GLBT role models and GLBT health into the appropriate curriculum across NSW?

Clover Moore Would you support funding an anti-homophobia campaign to reduce experiences of discrimination, harassment and violence in educational institutions?

Would you support the expansion of programs to educate and support both teachers and students to address homophobia?

I have long argued for this type of program, which is vital to preventing future violence and abuse.

Yes, this is vital, and I have consistently called for these programs across all schools. Would you support the inclusion of GLBT awareness, positive GLBT role models and GLBT health into the appropriate curriculum across NSW?

Would you support the explicit and mandatory inclusion of anti-homophobia policy and enforcement in the NSW primary and secondary schools to reduce homophobic bullying in schools?

Yes, I have consistently supported these measures.

Yes, I believe all schools should invest effort to prevent homophobia. It should not be voluntary.

Greens Will your party fund an anti-homophobia campaign to reduce experiences of discrimination, harassment and violence in educational institutions? Yes Will your party support the explicit and mandatory inclusion of anti-homophobia policy and enforcement in the NSW primary and secondary schools to reduce homophobic bullying in schools? Yes

Will your party support the expansion of programs to educate and support both teachers and students to address homophobia? Yes Will your party support the inclusion of GLBT awareness, positive GLBT role models and GLBT health into the appropriate curriculum across NSW? Yes

8. PARENTING JJ

o you support removing exemptions available to faithD based bodies that provide adoption services funded by the NSW Government?

o you support a review of the extraterritorial D criminalising of commercial surrogacy arrangements?

o you commit to support recognising surrogacy D agreements completed overseas (through a transfer of parentage scheme)?

Liberal/National Many NSW Liberals and Nationals Members worked hard to achieve and were proud to support removal of discrimination in the Adoption Act. If it were not for the support of Liberal and Nationals Members then removing restrictions on same-sex couples adopting would never have happened.

One of the last bills to go through the NSW Parliament this term was the Surrogacy Bill. This Bill provided children and parents with certainty in their relationships. With the Act only recently commenced, it is too early to commit to any review.

It must be recognized that removing adoption discrimination would never have been achieved if it were not for the exemptions which were given to faith-based bodies. Whilst many in the GLBT community may be uneasy with exemptions, by incorporating them into reforms they have enabled tangible results to be delivered to GLBT people and their children.

Labor Does your party support removing exemptions available to faith-based bodies that provide adoption services funded by the NSW Government?

Does your party commit to recognising surrogacy agreements completed overseas (through a transfer of parentage scheme)?

Under Labor, historic legislative reforms were made so same sex couples can adopt children as a couple, rather than only as individual parents. The leadership of Labor MPs such as Kristina Keneally, Verity Firth, Carmel Tebbutt and Linda Burney helped deliver these groundbreaking changes which removed discriminatory provisions that disadvantage GLBTI families.

The Labor Government supports the principles in the Surrogacy Act 2010. Under the Act, a parentage order is available as long as the preconditions in the Act are met, and there is no precondition requiring that the agreement be completed in Australia.

Does your party support a review of the extraterritorial criminalizing of commercial surrogacy arrangements? Not at this time. It should be noted that both Queensland and the ACT have provisions in their legislation extending the relevant offences in their jurisdictions to acts done overseas.

8. PARENTING JJ

o you support removing exemptions available to faithD based bodies that provide adoption services funded by the NSW Government?

o you support a review of the extraterritorial D criminalising of commercial surrogacy arrangements?

o you commit to support recognising surrogacy D agreements completed overseas (through a transfer of parentage scheme)?

Clover Moore Do you support removing exemptions available to faithbased bodies that provide adoption services funded by the NSW Government?

I am concerned about third parties profiting from women who have little legal or cultural protection, particularly in poorer countries. I am also concerned about the impact on all parties in commercial arrangements if someone changes their mind or if there are unexpected medical complications, including problems that intending parents could blame on the surrogate mother.

Yes, my original bill to amend the adoption legislation included this provision. I would like to have seen this provision retained, but agreed to remove it when other members said they would not support my bill and it could have prevented the legislation being passed.

Children in this situation may not have the same access to their genetic heritage as required under local laws.

Do you support a review of the extraterritorial criminalising of commercial surrogacy arrangements?

Do you commit to support recognising surrogacy agreements completed overseas (through a transfer of parentage scheme)?

Commercial surrogacy is illegal in Australia, and the Surrogacy Bill 2010 extended this to overseas commercial surrogacy. Commercial surrogacy has the potential to exploit poor and underprivileged women, whose lack of resources could encourage them to enter arrangements with implications they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand or consequences they did not expect. I am not convinced that we can ensure the same protections for surrogate mothers and children overseas.

Provisions in the Surrogacy Bill 2010, which I supported in Parliament, provide a legal framework to transfer legal parenting from birth parents to commissioning parents when specific safeguards are met and the arrangement is altruistic regardless of whether agreements occurred in Australia or overseas.

Greens Does your party support removing exemptions available to faith-based bodies that provide adoption services funded by the NSW Government? Yes Does your party support a review of the extraterritorial criminalising of commercial surrogacy arrangements? Yes Does your party commit to recognising surrogacy agreements completed overseas (through a transfer of parentage scheme)? Yes

9. PRISONER HEALTH JJ

o you support expanding the availability of condoms D and lube in correctional facilities to prevent the transmission of HIV?

o you commit to support the introduction of needle D and syringe programs into correctional facilities to prevent the transmission of HIV and viral hepatitis?

Liberal/National The NSW Liberals and Nationals support better health outcomes for prisoners across the State. The transmission of HIV and other blood-borne viruses in correctional facilities is a major concern. More infections in prison lead to more infections in the general population. The NSW Liberals and Nationals supports the existing program

of providing condoms in correctional facilities. The NSW Liberals and Nationals support maintaining the current arrangements relating to needles and syringes in correctional facilities, which ban their use other than for therapeutic purposes in clinics.

Labor Does your party support expanding the availability of condoms and lube in correctional facilities to prevent the transmission of HIV?

Does your party commit to the introduction of needle and syringe programs into correctional facilities to prevent the transmission of HIV and viral hepatitis?

The Labor Government implemented and expanded a pilot condom distribution program and included dental dams in women’s prisons. Condoms are now freely available from dispensing machines and prison clinics.

The Labor Party believes that a prison-based needle exchange program is not appropriate. It is an offence to carry syringes into NSW correctional centres with a maximum penalty of two years jail. These laws were introduced following a fatal incident in 1991.

There is good evidence that following the implementation of the program the incidence of sexual assault in prisons has decreased. This program has also helped stop the spread of HIV and other STDs in the prison population and contribute to NSW having one of the lowest rates of HIV of any prison population in the world.

A wide range of health services are provided to prison inmates. A combination of sexual health, public health, hepatitis and harm minimisation nursing services are delivered. The Heath Survival Tips DVD is also shown to all inmates at facilitated screenings in the reception process.

We also introduced health education programs focusing on inmate education about HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, and established HIV/AIDS committees that include inmates. The presence of condom machines reinforced the HIV/AIDS prevention message.

9. PRISONER HEALTH JJ

o you support expanding the availability of condoms D and lube in correctional facilities to prevent the transmission of HIV?

o you commit to support the introduction of needle D and syringe programs into correctional facilities to prevent the transmission of HIV and viral hepatitis?

Clover Moore Do you support expanding the availability of condoms and lube in correctional facilities to prevent the transmission of HIV? Yes, I have previously asked for this reform - safe sex is a public health priority. Do you commit to support the introduction of needle and syringe programs into correctional facilities to prevent the transmission of HIV and viral hepatitis? Yes, I have previously asked for this reform. Constituents have told me that they find it just as easy to get drugs inside prisons as outside, so safe injecting equipment is essential as a public health measure.

Greens Does your party support expanding the availability of condoms and lube in correctional facilities to prevent the transmission of HIV? Yes Does your party commit to the introduction of needle and syringe programs into correctional facilities to prevent the transmission of HIV and viral hepatitis? Yes

10. SEX WORKER HEALTH JJ

ould you support continued funding for specialised W HIV/STI prevention and health promotion to sex workers in NSW?

ould you support a policy that includes sex workers W and ACON in the decision making process on matters that affects sex worker communities?

o you support the current planning process which D authorises sex service premises to operate as legitimate business?

ould you support the expansion of the Sex Industry W Liaison Officer program run by NSW Police to other areas with street-based sex workers or brothels?

ould you support adding sex work as a protected W ground under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)?

Liberal/National Australia should be proud of the low levels of HIV infections in the sex worker community. The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to an approach which keeps the industry legal and regulated. This approach provides a healthier environment for workers and their clients.

brothels. These initiatives will help protect sex workers from unsafe and unlawful work practices and improve the efficacy of health promotion activities, including STI prevention education. We support the continued operation of the NSW Police Sex Industry Liaison Officer program.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals support the programs that ACON and the NSW Police Force have in place. The NSW Liberals & Nationals are committed to maintaining funding for specialised STI prevention and health promotion activities to sex workers in NSW. We support the continued operation of the many Sexual Health Clinics across the State, which provide important resources and health services to sex workers. We are also supportive of the Sex Workers Outreach Program delivered by ACON.

The NSW Liberals & Nationals are committed to consulting with sex workers when making decisions on issues that affect them. We have noted the recommendations of ACON, GLRL and Positive Life NSW concerning the introduction of sex work as a protected ground under anti-discrimination legislation. The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to community partnerships to underpin decision-making, and would look to ACON and representatives of the community to be active participants in any changes which affect the industry.

The NSW Liberals & Nationals will establish a Brothel Licensing Authority to license and regulate brothels. We will work with local government authorities to shut down illegal

Clover Moore Would you support continued funding for specialised HIV/STI prevention and health promotion to sex workers in NSW?

Would you support a policy that includes sex workers and ACON in the decision making process on matters that affects sex worker communities?

Yes, sex workers are particularly vulnerable.

Yes, the affected communities are well placed to ensure that policies and programs designed to help these groups are effective.

Do you support the current planning process which authorises sex service premises to operate as legitimate business?

Would you support the expansion of the Sex Industry Liaison Officer program run by NSW Police to other areas with street-based sex workers or brothels?

I supported the Disorderly Houses Amendment Bill 1995. Sex services business should be addressed according to impacts on neighbourhood safety and amenity and public health, not moral grounds.

Yes.

Would you support adding sex work as a protected ground under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)? Yes, I would support protecting sex workers under the AntiDiscrimination Act.

10. SEX WORKER HEALTH JJ

ould you support continued funding for specialised W HIV/STI prevention and health promotion to sex workers in NSW?

ould you support a policy that includes sex workers W and ACON in the decision making process on matters that affects sex worker communities?

o you support the current planning process which D authorises sex service premises to operate as legitimate business?

ould you support the expansion of the Sex Industry W Liaison Officer program run by NSW Police to other areas with street-based sex workers or brothels?

ould you support adding sex work as a protected W ground under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)?

Labor Will your party commit to continued funding for specialised HIV/STI prevention and health promotion to sex workers in NSW?

Act already apply to all categories of workers and ensure that it is illegal to discriminate against them on the basis of sex, homosexuality, race, transgender status, disability, pregnancy and breastfeeding, carersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; responsibilities, or marital or domestic status.

Yes. Does your party support the current planning process which authorises sex service premises to operate as legitimate business?

Any proposals to make changes in this area can be considered in future reviews of the legislation, such as the work by the Standing Committees of Attorney General on harmonisation of anti-discrimination regimes.

Brothels are a legal business in NSW. Labor supports the current planning processes which authorize this. A brothels operation is restricted to ensure the community can be confident about where they are located and the conditions they operate under.

Will your party include sex workers and ACON in the decision making process on matters that affects sex worker communities? Labor has been working with ACON since 1995 and their work has contributed to improved health outcomes for the communities that it serves. Labor will continue to work with ACON and other stakeholders in all decision making processes.

Councils have the power to determine the locations of brothels within their LGA. However, the Department of Planning has provided councils with a template which demonstrates how Councils should draft local planning provisions for premises such as brothels.

Will your party expand the Sex Industry Liaison Officer program run by NSW Police to other areas with streetbased sex workers or brothels?

It is up to councils to assess, approve or reject development applications for brothels on their merit. Will your party commit to adding sex work as a protected ground under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)?

NSW Police will continue to work with ACON and the Sex Workers Outreach Project to identify areas ofÂ need for Sex Industry Liaison Officers and provide police resources accordingly.

The employment protections of the Anti-Discrimination

Greens Will your party commit to continued funding for specialised HIV/STI prevention and health promotion to sex workers in NSW?

Will your party include sex workers and ACON in the decision making process on matters that affects sex worker communities?

Yes

Does your party support the current planning process which authorises sex service premises to operate as legitimate business?

Will your party expand the Sex Industry Liaison Officer program run by NSW Police to other areas with streetbased sex workers or brothels?

Yes

Will your party commit to adding sex work as a protected ground under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)? Yes

JJ JJ JJ

11. BLOOD BORNE VIRUSES ould you commit to supporting an expansion of W needle and syringe programs including through funding NSPs and creating more NSP vending machines? ould you support the reform of the Drug Misuse W and Trafficking Regulation 2006 (NSW) to permit peer distribution of clean injecting equipment?

Liberal/National The NSP has been one of the great successes in public health policy over the last few decades. The program has prevented thousands of infections and enabled savings to be reinvested back into public health programs. The NSW Liberals

and Nationals support the continuation of this program and are always keen to hear views on how the program could deliver better health outcomes in the community.

Labor Will your party commit to an expansion of needle and syringe programs including through funding NSPs and creating more NSP vending machines?

Will your party support the reform of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Regulation 2006 (NSW) to permit peer distribution of clean injecting equipment?

Labor supported a number of NSPs in place across the state. Further we have been working in partnership with service providers, including Area Health Services, non-government organisations and pharmacies participating in the Pharmacy Fitpack Scheme to ensure that the number of needles and syringes distributed via the public and pharmacy programs is appropriate for the number of occasions of injecting that occur in NSW.

The Labor Party would consider this proposal as it is noted that there is evidence that an increase in the number and hours of operation of needle and syringe programs in NSW has the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of HIV and hepatitis C among people who inject drugs in NSW.

Clover Moore Would you commit to supporting an expansion of needle and syringe programs including through funding NSPs and creating more NSP vending machines?

Would you support the reform of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Regulation 2006 (NSW) to permit peer distribution of clean injecting equipment?

I have consistently supported harm minimisation strategies that help keep people with drug problems alive and as healthy as possible, including the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre and NSPS in my electorate. During the last term, I continued to ask Questions in Parliament in response to the research showing the effectiveness of the NSP program.

It is vital that clean injecting equipment be available as widely as possible to those who need it. I have supported expanded programs in pharmacies and health services, and support trials of peer distribution where needed.

Greens Will your party commit to an expansion of needle and syringe programs including through funding NSPs and creating more NSP vending machines?

Will your party support the reform of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Regulation 2006 (NSW) to permit peer distribution of clean injecting equipment?

Yes

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