MP praises HIV response

Sydney state MP Alex Greenwich has praised the state government for its proactive stance on battling the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

In a motion in state Parliament earlier today, Greenwich commended the concerted effort political parties undertook to educate the public about HIV/AIDS in the 1990s, noting that Australia was one of few developed nations to develop a “compassionate, evidence-based response” and not be “stampeded by fear and panic” when the epidemic was at its highest.

“Contracting HIV is no longer a death sentence – there have been stable rates of new HIV infections in NSW over the past decade. However, around 250 gay men a year still get HIV in this state, and that is why we need to continue doing something about it,” Greenwich said.

The independent MP singled Health Minister Jillian Skinner out for special approbation, saying she had a “strong understanding of HIV/AIDS” and had shown a “long-term commitment” towards eliminating HIV in NSW.

The motion, which passed unanimously, also singled out HIV/AIDS advocacy organisation ACON for “delivering support and services for people living with HIV and AIDS” and combating the epidemic in the LGBTI community.