The new Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities is Todd Fernando. A descendant of the Kalarie peoples of the Wiradjuri nation, Todd will be the second person to fill this role.
Todd is a strong advocate for the rights and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer Victorians. He is an accomplished diversity and inclusion consultant with extensive experience working with First Nations and LGBTIQ+ communities. He has helped reform social policy and cultural safety frameworks in the public and private sectors.
Todd's background in academic research has particularly focused on the social and cultural experiences of LGBTIQ+ Indigenous Australians. In 2018, along with other members of the Aboriginal rainbow community, he co-founded Koorie Pride Victoria, an advocacy organisation that campaigns for the social inclusion and advancement of Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ Aboriginal community.
Victoria became the first state in Australia to have a Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities, previously known as the Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality, when Ro Allen was appointed to the role in 2015.
Commissioner’s role
The Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities works closely with Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ communities to provide advice to the Victorian Government on the development of policies, services and programs that are inclusive and meet the needs of our diverse communities.
The Commissioner also works with community organisations, businesses and others to ensure the needs of LGBTIQ+ Victorians are better met and improves understanding about issues affecting LGBTIQ+ Victorians across the broader community.
Reviewed 22 September 2021