Tina Arena: Unchained
We could all learn a lot from Tina Arena. Her perspectives are so profound that...
The State Of Our State
Who’s getting your vote this weekend? Have you arrived at a decision yet? Have you done your research? Are you feeling bombarded from all sides by political mud fights and propaganda? Do you feel like rolling in on polling day and just picking a box at random?
ACON and The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby have been out there scoping the current lay of the land, getting a sense of what is on offer for us when it comes to the key candidates on the ballot form this weekend. Unsurprisingly the Liberals didn’t even respond to the survey at all, although they have pledged their commitment to financial backing of the HIV sector at least. Labor showed a willingness to work on some issues, but there are few firm commitments on the table. Of course, the most wide-ranging support comes from the Greens and the Democrats and also from a couple of independents.
The survey asked about six major issues affecting our community, including equal rights, relationship recognition, anti-discrimination, health, hate-related violence and homophobia in schools. They also surveyed Clover Moore, the Member for Sydney, given that the majority of Sydney’s gay community falls squarely in her electorate.
It should come as no surprise when ACON President Adrian Lovney says that the survey indicated just how in touch the NSW Greens and Clover Moore are when it comes to community issues. Clover’s been with us for years and has not only the greatest understanding of the issues we face, but also the strongest desire to instigate change.
“The NSW Democrats and several other independents demonstrated their commitment to reform but had less of an understanding about GLBT issues than the Greens or Moore,” Adrian says.
“The NSW ALP provided little solid commitment on specific issues but there are a number of areas where they have committed to working with the GLBT community in the future. And the NSW Liberals chose not to respond to the survey at all so we’re a bit in the dark on their GLBT policies, although the Shadow Health Minister Jillian Skinner has committed to maintaining the current investment in the HIV response across the State.
“What this demonstrates is that GLBT issues will most likely be taking a back seat in the legislative agenda of any new government which means groups such as ACON and the GLRL will continue to work with the cross benches to put pressure on the next NSW government to provide the GLBT community with the respect, the recognition and the services to which we are entitled.”
Just seeing who responded to the survey speaks volumes. Of all the candidates surveyed the following submitted responses: Australian Labor Party, The NSW Greens, The NSW Democrats, Clover Moore MP (Sydney), Robert Oakeshott MP in Port Macquarie and David Barr MP in Manly.
David Barr, an Independent in Manly, expressed support for state civil unions, parenting and adoption reform and equality across anti-discrimination legislation and was also keen to support anti-homophobia education in high schools.
The NSW Democrats are all for legislative and social equality across all areas, including relationship recognition and parenting reform, as well as school anti-homophobia initiatives.
The NSW Greens are committee to all of the above – equality across all areas, including relationship recognition and parenting reform. They also intend to introduce state civil unions legislation and have plans to push for amendments to the anti-discrimination act to remove exemptions for private schools and private service providers.
While Labor were committed to de facto relationship rights, addressing sexuality-based violence and anti-bullying and anti-homophobia initiatives in public schools, they did not support state civil unions or same-sex couple adoption. Nor are they very committed to parenting reform or removing anti-discrimination exemptions for private schools and publicly-funded private organisations.
Clover Moore is committed to legislative and social equality across all areas, including relationship recognition and parenting reform. In the absence of federal marriage legislation, Moore showed support for state civil unions granting equal rights as marriage. She also showed support, and had previously attempted to take action, on adoption reform.
Robert Oakeshott, an Independent in Port Macquarie, expressed general commitment to legislative and social equality, including relationship recognition, parenting reform and anti-homophobia initiatives in schools, but had less of an understanding of specific issues facing our community in terms of anti-discrimination legislation.
So when you wander into your polling place this weekend, grip onto that pencil with pride! All too often as a community we feel powerless, unheard, unrepresented. While we may be part of a minority, remember that we still have the right to our say. Your vote is your voice. Get behind someone who actually has your interests at heart.
Who’s getting your vote this weekend? Have your say in the forums.
For more information head to the NSW Elections website.
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Cheetah77
said ages ago