Victoria’s Andrews Labor government will provide an additional $500,000 towards supporting the mental health of LGBTIQ+ Victorians during the postal survey over marriage equality.
The commitment comes on top of $500,000 that was previously announced, bringing the Victorian government’s total support to $1 million dollars.
Equality Minister Martin Foley made the announcement this morning.
“None of us wanted to see a divisive, non-binding opinion poll – but because it’s happening we will do all we can to support the LGBTI community,” Foley said.
“This additional funding will ensure no matter where you live – help and support is accessible.
“While this postal vote is completely unnecessary and federal parliament should just do its job – we encourage all people to get on the electoral roll or update their details to have their say.”
The first $500,000 of funding that was announced will help provide critical resources to several organisations including Switchboard Victoria, Drummond St, and Headspace, mental health services that provide support to LGBTI people.
The Victorian state government will work with the LGBTI community to determine where the additional $500,000 will be allocated during the 12-week postal vote process.
Earlier this week The Greens’ Alison Xamon raised concern that Western Australian organisation Living Proud was losing funding at a time when the LGBTI community needed their services the most.
“I am particularly concerned that in the lead-up to this postal poll and this very public debate, now is not the time to look at any reduction in these sorts of services, particularly considering what has happened globally with demand for these services as people have become more and more distressed,” Xamon said.
“We need to keep a very close eye on the delivery of services, because these sorts of public debates have the potential to have a very detrimental impact on vulnerable people in our community – in this case, members of the LGBTIQA+ community.”
OIP Staff, top image: Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, second image: Alison Xamon.
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