NSW now has an LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council.
The council was one of Labor’s election commitments, a government announcement on Friday read, and its first priority is to help develop the state’s first LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy.
Sixteen inaugural members have been chosen, based on their experiences, expertise and dedication to advocating for LGBTIQ+ communities.
They’re to serve a two-year term with Robyn Kennedy and Dr Justin Koonin as inaugural Co-Chairs.
Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, Penny Sharpe, is also the first openly gay woman to serve in NSW Parliament.
‘Establishing the LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council is another step forward for LGBTIQ+ people in our state who deserve to be visible and heard,’ Ms Sharpe said on Friday, ‘it will drive a more inclusive and equitable NSW’.
‘The council is testament to our Government’s commitment to ensuring that every person in NSW can live a life free from discrimination and prejudice,’ she said.
78er to co-chair LGBQTI+ council
Council Co-Chair Ms Kennedy is described as a 78er, having protested in the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
She has previously held roles with InterPride, Sydney WorldPride, Qtopia Sydney, and First Mardi Gras 78ers.
Mr Koonin has held the presidency at peak LGBQTI+ community association, ACON, since 2015.
He is also a long-serving convenor of the NSW Gay and Lesbians Rights Lobby, the government on Friday said.
The list of all sixteen members is as follows:
- Robyn Kennedy
- Dr Justin Koonin
- Anna Brown OAM
- Dr Morgan Carpenter
- Danny Dalton
- Brad Farrugia
- Will Lawrence
- Veronica Mason
- Benjamin Oh
- Dr Chris Pepin-Neff
- Dr Victoria Rawlings
- Ian Roberts
- Nicholas Stewart
- Dr Cris Townley
- Kelly Young
- Charlie Zada
Both co-chairs were quoted in Friday’s announcement saying they were honoured.
Ms Kennedy said the council’s work would focus on ensuring all LGBTIQ+ individuals in NSW were supported, respected, and had their rights upheld.
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