G&L Police – Gay and Lesbian Police Liaison Officers from across the country met in Tasmania to develop a collaborative strategy for strengthening communications with and implementing best practice in regards to GLBT Australians. WA Police do not currently have any officers dedicated solely to gay and lesbian liaison.
Jewish Unions – The Council of Progressive Rabbis of Australia, New Zealand and Asia passed a resolution allowing (but not compelling) Rabbis to officiate at same-sex commitment ceremonies between two Jews. The resolution was passed in recognition of the core Jewish principles of justice and human dignity.
Census – In the latest (2006) Census report, 48,000 individuals reported as being in a same-sex relationship. The number of people self-reporting a same-sex relationship was up 25% from the previous Census findings; however, the Australian Bureau of Statistics admits that figure is likely an underestimate of the number of same-sex relationships in Australia.
Refugees – Gay Pakistani refugee Ali Humayun, currently being held in Villawood detention centre, could be deported at any time without warning after having his application for refugee status based on his sexuality rejected first by the Refugee Review Tribunal (the RRT, who ruled his homosexuality to be ‘contrived’) and then the Federal Magistrate’s Court. Humayun fears he will be killed by his own brother if returned to Pakistan and is pinning his hopes on further appeals. As a result of the case, the Greens have demanded that RRT members undergo sexuality training.
Political Play – Greens Senator Kerry Nettle put forth a motion for the federal government to work with state and territory governments to provide IVF treatment and adoption rights to all people regardless of sexuality. Federal Labor voted against the motion, saying it was a matter for the State, not Federal legislature. In response, Greens MP and same sex spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has announced that she will move a similar motion in NSW Parliament.
WA
SSDAG Funding – The Same-Sex Domestic Abuse Group (SSDAG), a local community organisation, has just received $100,000 from the Proceeds of Crime to continue its work in 2007. SSDAG was started by a small group of individuals concerned about the prevalence and invisibility of domestic abuse within the GLBT community as well as the lack of options for those in abusive relationships seeking assistance. To date they have received $140,000 in funding through grants.
NSW
Mother of Gay Sydney Dies – The woman dubbed the ‘Mother of Gay Sydney’, Dawn O’Donnell, has died aged 79 from ovarian cancer. O’Donnell is credited with turning Oxford St into the gay capital of the Southern Hemisphere and owned and ran a string of venues and shops during the 70s and 80’s. She is survived by her partner of more than 30 years, Aniek Baten, and was given a public funeral on June 15.
New Mardi Gras – New Mardi Gras revealed a 34% jump in profits in 2006/2007, a good sign for the organisation who will host its 30th birthday celebrations in 2008. New Mardi Gras Chair, Marcus Bourget attributed the success to a concerted effort to deliver cost-effective, sustainable events. New Mardi Gras is currently preparing for this year’s Sleaze Ball on September 29.
SA
More Rights for Same Sex Couples – New legislation that granted state-based legal rights to same sex couples in South Australia came into effect in early June. The new laws bring the state into line with the rest of the country in granting same-sex couples the same state-based legal rights and entitlements as those in heterosexual de facto relationships.
