Almost 100 apply for queer MAC

Almost 100 Victorians have nominated to be part of the state Health Department’s LGBTI Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC).

Health Department spokesman Bram Alexander told the Star Observer that Health Minister David Davis (pictured) had taken an active role in the application process.

“The [Health] Minister has personally reviewed all 96 applications that have come forward and he’s requested that a significant number of interviews take place,” he said.

The MAC is expected to investigate LGBTI health issues including ageing, mental health and, specifically, HIV rapid testing.

Alexander said he could not speculate on when the MAC was expected to be finalised.

Applications closed on April 13, almost a year after the MAC was first promised by the Baillieu government.

A chairperson and members will be appointed to the new committee on a voluntary basis until October 30 2014.

The former Brumby Government had two LGBTI ministerial advisory committees for health and justice.