NSW Government Establishes LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council

It’s been a good year for LGBTIQ+ rights in NSW. The Minns Labor Government has today established the inaugural LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council, fulfilling another election commitment.

This follows several fulfilled commitments from the Minns Labor Government surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues, including banning  ‘LGBTQ+ conversion practices’ through the Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024, which passed the NSW Parliament in March.

The Premier also issued a formal apology in June to people convicted under discriminatory laws that criminalised homosexual acts, and this year passed legislation that meant more of these offences were able to be extinguished.

Additionally, in September the NSW Government supported all 19 recommendations delivered by the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes, which examined the unsolved deaths of LGBTIQ people and found shortfalls in historical responses by the NSW Government.

Most recently, the government supported the amended Equality Bill which passed the NSW Parliament after being introduced by the Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich.

What is an advisory council?

Advisory councils in the NSW State Government do not make binding decisions but rather offer recommendations to government. This can include feedback on legislation, program design, and implementation strategies. They also help engage the government with affected stakeholders, which they may have limited access to.

To see existing advisory councils in NSW, click HERE.

What is the significance of this LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council?

The council’s first task will be to work with the Government to develop NSW’s first LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy. We’ve been told that the council will be made up of 16 inaugural members, selected based on their experiences, expertise and dedication to advocating for the LGBTIQ+ community. Council members will work closely with the NSW Government to provide insights and recommendations on issues affecting LGBTIQ+ communities

“Establishing the LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council is another step forward for LGBTIQ+ people in our state who deserve to be visible and heard. It will drive a more inclusive and equitable NSW.”

– Penny Sharpe, Leader of Government in the Legislative Council

Who’s in the Advisory Council?

Robyn Kennedy and Dr Justin Koonin have been appointed as the inaugural Co-Chairs of the council.

Robyn Kennedy  is a 78er, having protested in the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and is highly regarded in the community for her decades of service to advancing equality and inclusion, including through roles with InterPride, Sydney WorldPride, Qtopia Sydney, and First Mardi Gras 78ers.

“As a lesbian and 78er, I am honoured to serve as Co-Chair of this council. Our work will focus on ensuring that all LGBTIQ+ individuals in NSW are supported, respected, and have their rights upheld.”

– Robyn Kennedy

Dr. Justin Koonin has been the President at ACON since 2015 and is recognised in LGBTIQ+ communities for his leadership, expertise and advocacy as a long-serving Convenor of the NSW Gay and Lesbians Rights Lobby.

“There are legal, social and health issues that continue to impact the human rights, safety and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people in NSW.”

– Dr. Justin Koonin

The following members will also serve a 2-year term on the council:

• 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 Chris Townley
• Kelly Young
• Charlie Zada

To read more stories, interviews and reviews from Gay Sydney Australia, please click HERE