Same-Sex Parental Leave: In the ACT, the Stanhope Government has expressed an intention to begin legislating for both partners in a same-sex relationship to have access to parental leave. However, 58 federal laws concerned with work and financial entitlements still discriminate against same-sex couples.

‘Inappropriate’ Commitments: Attorney-General Robert McClelland has outraged gay rights advocates by stating that while a renewed commitment toward same-sex unions was on the agenda for the ACT Stanhope Government, a formal solemnisation of such unions has been deemed ‘inappropriate’ for the ACT model. 

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Pledging Funds for HIV: A $40 million HIV package over a three year period was announced by Foreign Minister Stephen Smith during his meeting with Hassan Wirajuda, the Indonesian Foreign Minister. Though up to 30% of new HIV infections are linked to sex between men, the region’s government has targeted less than 1% of HIV prevention funding toward men who have sex with men.

E-male MSM Survey: A survey is currently being conducted by the National Centre in HIV Social Research (NCHSR) that explores relationships between online life and HIV prevention. The survey, called e-male, is open to Australian men, aged over 16, who are gay, bisexual, same-sex attracted or have sex with other men. The survey, which is available at www.e-male.com.au/site/, only takes 20 minutes to complete.

ACON in Southeast Asia: The AIDS Council Of New South Wales (ACON) has announced that one of its staff members will be joining the United Nations (UN) in an attempt to help the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand (RSAT) educate people on the prevention of HIV /AIDS in the region. Rob Sutherland from ACON will be based in Bangkok where he will assist in developing strategies and campaigns that will target men who have sex with men in urban centres where the prevalence of HIV is already comparable to those experienced in western gay communities during the 80s.

ADF Does Mardi Gras Proud: While not allowed to wear uniform, members of the Australian Defence Forces have been granted permission by the Chief of the Defence Force to march in the Sydney Mardi Gras. Sixty participants will march in the parade on March 1.

Police to Clean Up Act on Oxford St -The New South Wales Police Force have implemented significant changes at the Surry Hills branch following concerns over inadequate policing in the face of escalating incidence of homophobic violence on Oxford St. NSW Police have not only replaced key staff, but have also made a commitment toward renewing training programs for local officers.

BREAKING NEWS: Federal Attorney General Robert McClelland told a Feb 26 meeting of gay rights campaigners that a government audit of legislation has identified 100 laws that discriminate against gays and lesbians. This includes the 58 discriminatory laws already identified by the Human Rights Commission. A timetable for the removal of these laws is yet to be outlined.