8 meetings were held by the LGBTIQA+ Taskforce during Term 5 across 2024 and 2025.
Meeting outcomes
Matters considered
Apology to First Peoples by the Victorian Government
The Taskforce acknowledged the apology to First Peoples by the Victorian Government. They noted how significant it was, especially for Rainbow Mob.
Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill
The Taskforce celebrated the Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025 first reading in Parliament on 2 December. They acknowledged the advocacy and support of:
- Taskforce members
- the Minister for Equality
- the Minister for Health
- the Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities.
Victorian Population Health Survey
The Department of Health presented information about the 2023 Victorian Population Health Survey. They outlined findings relevant to LGBTIQA+ people's health.
Matters considered
Primary Prevention of Elder Abuse Framework
The Taskforce consulted on The Primary Prevention of Elder Abuse Framework. The framework contains guidance for professionals about delivering evidence-informed primary prevention activities. This includes guiding principles and characteristics of successful activities. Taskforce members celebrated the Framework’s inclusive lens and intersectional approach. The Taskforce emphasised that the experience of elder abuse for LGBTIQA+ older people is unique and complex.
Anti-hate Taskforce
The Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, Joe Ball, reflected on presenting to the Anti-hate Taskforce. The Premier convenes the Anti-hate Taskforce as a way to address rising antisemitism and hate in Victoria. Commissioner Ball’s presentation included the recent trend of app-facilitated violence against gay and bi+ men, and trans and gender diverse people.
Next meeting
The next LGBTIQA+ Taskforce meeting is on 9 December 2025.
Matters considered
2025-26 State Budget Overview
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) provided an overview of the 2025-26 State Budget outcomes. The Budget provided funding to continue Equality-led initiatives:
- Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) Peer Support Program to support the health and wellbeing of TGD Victorians
- QHub to support LGBTIQA+ young people and their families in western Victoria. QHub provides place-based mental health and wellbeing support services.
State Emergency Management Plan
Department representatives provided an overview of the State Emergency Management Plan. Taskforce members emphasised the importance of LGBTIQA+ inclusive:
- planning
- responses
- resources in emergency management
- Inclusive planning will make sure LGBTIQA+ people feel safe accessing help in emergencies.
App-facilitated violence
The Taskforce discussed reports of violence against LGBTIQA+ people. Violence is targeting gay and bi+ men, perpetrated through dating apps. Members noted the need for support for victims of app-facilitated violence. Support must be appropriate and accessible to everyone.
Next meeting
The next LGBTIQA+ Taskforce meeting is on 23 October 2025.
Matters considered
Welcome and reflections
Co-chair Professor Adam Bourne:
- opened the meeting
- welcomed Vicki Ward MP to her first meeting as Minister for Equality
- reflected on recent milestones and significant moments for LGBTIQA+ communities, including passing Victoria’s Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion Bill.
Safe Schools Program
The Department of Education provided an update on the Safe Schools program. They outlined progress on a proactive pilot initiative to improve participation of schools not yet engaged.
Taskforce members emphasised the importance of affirming learning environments. The Department committed to continuing refinement of the program’s delivery.
Matters considered
Intersex protection system reforms
The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP, Minister for Health:
- provided an update on Victoria’s progress toward an intersex protection system
- acknowledged the long journey toward reform
- noted the importance of public education in reducing stigma.
Rising safety concerns – online and offline
Taskforce members raised serious concerns about safety due to increased:
- targeted attacks
- threats
- harassment via apps such as Grindr.
Members expressed deep concern that these incidents are part of a broader pattern of rising:
- gender-based violence
- anti-LGBTIQA+ hate
- online radicalisation.
Matters considered
Inclusion in the 2026 Census
Taskforce welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that questions on sexuality and gender identity will be included in the 2026 Census. Members highlighted:
- the absence of questions related to people with innate variations in sex characteristics
- the need for inclusive data collection that reflects the full diversity of LGBTIQA+ communities.
Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities introduced
The Hon Harriet Shing MP, Minister for Equality, introduced Joe Ball as Victoria’s new Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities.
Commissioner Ball is a proud transgender man with deep experience in:
- mental health
- suicide prevention
- advocacy.
Coronial Inquest into Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) Suicide Cluster
The Taskforce discussed the findings and recommendations from the Coronial Inquest in depth.
The Minister and Commissioner acknowledged the pain and distress the findings have brought up for TGD communities.
Taskforce members strongly supported the Coroner’s recommendations. The Taskforce called for urgent, coordinated government action.
Intersex health reform policy discussion
The Department of Health provided an update on LGBTIQA+ health priorities, including:
- continued implementation of mental health system reform
- work to strengthen intersex protections.
Members welcomed the Department’s ongoing work. There was strong support for continued collaboration between clinicians, intersex-led organisations and government.
Matters considered
Improving LGBTIQA+ data visibility
The Centre for Victorian Data Linkage presented to the Taskforce. They shared opportunities for de-identified linked data to provide new insights across:
- health
- justice
- housing
- education.
The Taskforce discussed how data collection and reporting can be improved. They gave suggestions for how data can better understand and respond to the needs of LGBTIQA+ Victorians.
Members expressed strong support for improving data visibility. They highlighted the importance of safe, accurate and voluntary data collection. They also noted that community consultation will make improvements better.
Pride in our future: Outcomes Framework and annual update
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing provided an update on the:
- upcoming release of the Pride in our future: outcomes framework
- second annual update.
Members welcomed the framework’s role in increasing transparency and accountability. They discussed how it will help them advise government on policy and implementation progress.
Matters considered
Welcome to Term 5
The Hon Harriet Shing MP, Minister for Equality, welcomed members to Term 5. Minister Shing shared her policy priorities for the year ahead. The Taskforce met the new co-chairs of the Taskforce working groups:
- Alex Potter (Health and Wellbeing)
- Sean Mulcahy (Justice).
Taskforce reflected on:
- Midsumma Festival season
- the recent Coronial Inquest into the Trans and Gender Diverse suicide cluster
- the importance of supporting communities during this time.
Statement on Midsumma Pride March
The Minister for Equality spoke to the Taskforce, including:
- her public statement in response to community protests during the Midsumma Pride March
- the complexity of views and emotions surrounding Victoria Police’s involvement in the March
- the historic and ongoing impact of police discrimination
- the importance of continued cultural and operational reform
- her support for LGBTIQA+ members of Victoria Police
- her ongoing dialogue with senior leadership.
Taskforce members engaged in a considered discussion on future approaches.
National action on LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing
Taskforce welcomed the Hon Ged Kearney MP, Commonwealth Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care. Minister Kearney presented on:
- the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People 2025-2035
- its development
- the national consultation process.
Taskforce members welcomed the Action Plan. They emphasised the importance of:
- considering the diverse needs of LGBTIQA+ communities
- alignment of the Action Plan with related reforms.
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