Joe Ball was appointed as Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities on 23 September 2024 for a three-year term.
Commissioner Ball (he/him) is a proud transgender man. He is a longstanding LGBTIQA+ advocate with a 25-year career in disability, housing and homelessness, and social services.
Commissioner Ball is a member of the Expert Advisory Group for the Federal Government’s 10-Year LGBTIQ+ Health and Wellbeing Plan. He has previously participated in several leading social service advisory committees and boards. This includes the Victorian Family Violence peak body Safe and Equal, the Community Advisory Committee for 1800RESPECT, the Victorian LGBTIQA+ Taskforce, the Victorian Family Violence Reform Advisory Group, and the National Suicide Prevention Governance Committee.
Joe was previously CEO of Switchboard Victoria for eight years, where he led the establishment of Rainbow Door, the statewide LGBTIQA+ family violence and mental health helpline.
Throughout his expansive career, Joe has drawn upon the strength and guidance of LGBTIQA+ history and most importantly, the work of activists who have paved the way, the courageous voices with lived experience and the wisdom of LGBTIQA+ elders.
In 2020, Joe was honoured as an award recipient in the 50 Outstanding LGBTI+ Leaders in Australia.
Commissioner’s role
The Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities works with LGBTIQA+ people to bring their experiences to the government. They give advice on making sure policies, services and programs are safe and inclusive for everyone.
In a time where there’s more discrimination against LGBTIQA+ and intersectional communities, the Commissioner’s role is important. They work with communities and allies to ensure there are supports in place that are culturally safe and accessible.
The Commissioner plays a leading role in the implementation of the Pride in our Future strategy, the Victorian Government’s 10-year plan for LGBTIQA+ equality. This involves all parts of government and the Commissioner helps to make sure it’s implemented across the state.
They also work with community organisations, businesses and others to make sure the needs of LGBTIQA+ Victorians are understood and met.
Equality portfolio
For more information about what the Victorian Government is doing to achieve equality for Victoria’s diverse LGBTIQA+ communities, visit the Equality page on the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website.
Updated