By Callum Ludwig
The Rainbow Local Government campaign is gathering signatures for petitions soon to be tabled calling on councils across the state to instill new community-driven advisory committees .
Petitions have been set up to put before the Yarra Ranges, Maroondah, Knox and Cardinia councils later this year.
Co-lead of the Rainbow Local Government Campaign Dr Sean Mulcahy said an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee could ensure that the voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and asexual residents were heard on the issues that affected them.
“Many councils already have advisory committees for diverse communities, including disabled people or Aboriginal people, and an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee would build on this successful model of listening to the community,” he said.
“It’s important to have a specific committee or subcommittee focused on LGBTIQA+ issues because, in a broad diversity or inclusion committee. That focus can sometimes get lost or it is left to one person to speak for an entire community.”
The petition to the Yarra Ranges and Knox councils calls for an LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee to be established, while the Maroondah and Cardinia petitions call for changes to existing committees; A LGBTIQA+ sub-committee of Maroondah’s existing Access, Inclusion and Equity Advisory Committee and for community representatives to be appointed to Cardinia’s LGBTIQ+ Action Group.
“We’ve seen LGBTIQA+ advisory committees across the state drive inclusion initiatives that benefit the whole community by making facilities more accessible for all, developing innovative new services, and delivering events that boost local tourism,” Dr Mulcahy said.
“The petition will be formally tabled at a council meeting in the first half of the year, which will give the council an opportunity to consider the matter and provide a response.”
All the petitions can be found on the ‘Rainbow Local Government’ Facebook page: facebook.com/RainbowLocalGov
A Maroondah City Council spokesperson said the Maroondah aimed to consider the accessibility, social inclusion and equity needs of all population groups in Maroondah in a holistic way.
“This group specifically lists LGBTIQA+ inclusion as a focus area, amongst others, and the committee includes a range of community representatives with relevant lived experience, alongside partner organisations as members who advocate on behalf of their diverse clients,” they said.
“There are a number of marginalised groups that are a focus of this committee, and there is significant benefit in considering the intersectional needs of these groups, rather than establishing specific advisory groups for each,”
“Should the need arise, however, a working group may be recommended by the committee members to work on a specific task, theme or project.”
The Maroondah Access, Equity and Inclusion Committee was established in 2020.
A Knox City Council spokesperson said petitions were tabled at a council meeting where they are considered by council.
“Council provides a range of programs and activities to support our LGBTIQ+ community as part of our commitment to ensure a safe and inclusive community for everyone,” they said.
At the last sets of council elections, Rainbow Local Government also asked council candidates to take a local candidate survey and pledge to support their local LGBTIQA+ as well as share their gender and/or sexual identity. The responses can be found at rainbowvotes.com.au/pledgers
Director of corporate services at Yarra Ranges Council Andrew Hilson said Yarra Ranges Council was committed to creating an inclusive community, valuing the strength of diversity, and addressing and preventing any discriminatory or exclusionary practices.
“We have existing and strong relationships with service partners, township groups and community members that support health and wellbeing outcomes for LGBTIQA+ residents,” he said.
“Recently, we established a refreshed Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee which includes membership representative of the diverse Yarra Ranges community and is connected to the LGBTIQA+ community. This is important to ensure council’s work has a positive impact on the wellbeing of all community members,”
“Future recruitment practices for existing advisory committees will apply an intersectional lens to ensure membership continues to be representative of our diverse community.”
Yarra Ranges Council also reviews the work of its Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Access, Equity and Inclusion Reference Group which work within the LGBTIQA+ community in the region.
Mr Hilson said Yarra Ranges Council is currently developing the next iteration of the Equity, Access and Inclusion Strategy and will have direct engagement with community township groups such as Rural Rainbows to advise on this plan.
“Council has dedicated teams and resourcing to continue to work with community members and township groups via an asset-based community development approach, celebrating diversity and inclusion and supporting our LGBTQIA+ community wherever possible,” he said.
Cardinia Shire Council was contacted for comment.
