Rainbow Labor members have welcomed new commitments from the ALP to improving the lives of LGBTI Australians.

Over 15 amendments to the ALP national platform were made during this month’s national conference including a stronger focus on the overall health of same-sex attracted and gender diverse people. The national platform is the Labor Party’s governing document, reflecting the party’s values and beliefs.

The amendments include a commitment as a part of party values to health care for LGBTI Australians; specific transgender and intersex health care provisions and stronger recognition of LGBTI people as a priority area in certain areas such mental health.

WA Labor Senator and Rainbow Labor spokesperson Louise Pratt said the specific mentions of LGBTI health needs in the national platform were a first.

‘In addition to marriage equality, there were over 15 amendments to the ALP platform supporting LGBTI communities in areas as diverse as Labor values, health, mental health, transgender and intersex issues, anti-discrimination, government procurement, anti homophobia initiatives and human rights,’ Senator Pratt said.

‘For the first time we have specific mention of LGBTI Australians as a group with specific health needs in health policy, as well as specific mentions in both men’s and women’s health policy – as well as aged care improvements.

ACT Deputy Chief and Rainbow Labor spokesperson Andrew Barr said the policy shifts would lead to practical improvements for the lives of LGBTI Australians.

‘A number of positive changes occurred in the health area, including a specific mention and recognition of the unique health care needs of LGBTI Australians; and broadening the protection for anti-discrimination in health care on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status,’ Barr said.

The ALP National Conference was held over December 2-4 this year in Sydney.

Benn Dorrington

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