New era for LGBTIQA+ health care

Today marks a new era in LGBTIQA+ health care with the first meeting of the LGBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing 10 Year National Action Plan Expert Advisory Group.

 

LGBTIQA+ people have unique, often complex health needs and often face challenges accessing appropriate health care. The Government is delivering on its election promise to deliver a collaborative action plan to drive long-term change.

 

The Advisory Group will co-design Australia’s first national plan alongside communities, focused specifically on improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people.

 

Today’s inaugural meeting included discussions about current issues facing LGBTIQA+ people, barriers which impact health and wellbeing, gaps in research and shaping the national consultation process which will inform the Action Plan.

 

The Advisory Group agreed that an Australia-first public consultation with the LGBTIQA+ communities will take place, targeting priority issues and groups with complex needs.

 

The Advisory Group gathers eminent expertise and experience in LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing matters from a wide range of organisations, including representatives in mental health, aged care, and disability support.

 

The Advisory Group will meet periodically and develop the Action Plan. Full list of members is included below.

 

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP

 

“Today is a landmark day for the future of LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing in Australia.

 

“For a long time, the advocacy of the LGBTIQA+ community fell on deaf ears. They deserve a seat at the table when it comes to the unique health challenges they face.

 

“I’m proud to chair the Expert Advisory Group and thank all of the members for engaging with this process and guiding the development of an important and necessary way forward in health equity.

 

“I look forward to embarking on this new era of collaboration with the sector and the community, particularly as we develop avenues for public consultation. 

 

“Our Government is committed to developing a long-term plan for the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ Australians, giving them every chance to lead healthier lives.”

 

Expert Advisory Group              

 

Chair

 

The Hon Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care

 

Members

 

Professor Adam Bourne, Deputy Director, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University

 

Alexander Teh, President, Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council

 

Professor Ashleigh Lin, Program Head, Mental Health and Youth, Telethon Kids Institute

 

Carolyn Gillespie, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Thorne Harbour Health

 

Dr Clara Tuck Meng Soo, Practice Principal, East Canberra General Practice

 

Adjunct Professor Darryl O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer, Health Equity Matters

 

Jax Brown OAM/Ms Ricki Spencer, Co-Chairs, Inclusive Rainbow Voices

 

Jeremy Wiggins, Chief Executive Officer, Transcend Australia

 

Joe Ball, Chief Executive Officer, Switchboard Victoria

 

Kedy Kristal, Executive Officer, GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc.

 

Milo Bronleigh, Chair, Trans Folk of WA

 

Morgan Carpenter, Executive Director, Intersex Human Rights Australia

 

Nicky Bath, Chief Executive Officer, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia

 

Nicolas Parkhill AM, Chief Executive Officer, ACON

 

Dr Ruth McNair AM, Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne

 

Shane Sturgiss, Chief Executive Officer, BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation