Reform on the cards – Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland has told Melbourne’s queer radio station, JOY 94.9, it is ‘more probable than not’ that anti-discrimination reforms for sexuality and gender identity will commence before the next election. Speaking to The Rainbow Report, he said: ‘It is certainly our platform and it is our intention to do that. We would like to do that on a nationally consistent basis.’ But McClelland stopped short of setting a time frame.
Surrogate rights on horizon – The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General has called for a nationally consistent approach to surrogacy laws – good news for same-sex parents of children born by surrogates. A paper released for public comment last week made strong recommendations to unify the laws, which currently differ from state to state. ‘If a national model is adopted, courts could grant a parentage order to a couple if it was in the best interests of the child and the surrogate mother had given her informed consent,’ said NSW Attorney-General John Hatzistergos. Make a submission via www.scag.org.au.
Mardi Gras goes international – In line with its 2009 theme, ‘Nations United’, New Mardi Gras is calling for ethnic and national groups to get involved with this year’s parade. Individuals or small groups of entrants will be grouped together by geography to march with themed continental markers amongst the parade. ‘So many people want to join the parade but feel unable to pull together their own float’ said David Imrie, chair of New Mardi Gras. ‘Now they have a perfect excuse to put on their dancing shoes.’
Indigenous safe-sex campaign – ACON has teamed up with the Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) to produce a new multi-media campaign encouraging sexually active young people to use condoms and get regular sexual health tests. With a tagline of ‘Use condoms and enjoy your freedom’, the campaign is funded by NSW Health and will use press ads, outdoor billboards, posters, car magnets and CDs to get the message out. Visit www.ahmrc.org.au
Housing for older lesbians – A new housing project by the Matrix Guild of Victoria, a community group for older lesbians, aims to provide long-term accommodation to women who are marginalised, at risk, disabled or frail. The project recently received a funding bonus with an ‘extremely generous’ amount of money bequeathed to the group, now in its 17th year. A working party is researching property prices and locations. Details: www.matrixguildvic.org.au.
People-power survey says… – Activist group GetUp! has consistently lobbied for queer causes, and wants to know what are the hot issues for Australians in 2009. To register what you think should be on the social activist agenda this year – including GLBTI issues – visit www.getup.org.au/campaign/YourMovementYourVision.
