Community organisations release NSW Election survey responses and candidate videos
WITH NSW State Election happening this Saturday, a partnership of LGBTI community organisations have collaborated to put together an election survey from the major parties and independents, as well as release a series of videos of candidates vying for the pink vote.
The questionnaire sent covered subjects such as HIV and blood borne viruses, LGBTI health and wellbeing, trans* people and people with intersex variations, education, ageing, community safety, social inclusion (including discrimination and parenting), sex worker health, drug use and harm reduction.
The initiative is supported by ACON, Positive Life NSW, the NSW Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP), Organisation Intersex International (OII) Australia and the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL),
The accompanying videos aim to inform voters about where the candidates stand on issues relevant to the LGBTI communities and people living with HIV.
The following candidates appear in the videos: upper house Labor MP and Labor’s candidate for Newown Penny Sharpe, Coogee state Liberal MP Bruce Notley-Smith, Sydney state independent MP Alex Greenwich, upper house Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi, upper house Nationals MP Trevor Khan, Greens’ candidate for Sydney Chris Brentin, Greens’ candidate for Newtown Jenny Leong, Labor’s candidate for Balmain Verity Firth (Labor) and incumbent Balmain state Greens MP Jamie Parker.
GLRL convenor Justin Koonin said the questionnaire and videos may assist voters in the lead-up to the election.
“We encourage voters to make use of the questionnaire responses and videos to help inform their voting decisions,” he said.
“Although there are many issues that influence how people vote, it’s important for our community to be aware of the views of key candidates in regard to issues relevant to the LGBTI communities and people with HIV.”
Election questionnaire responses can be viewed here: www.acon.org.au/election2015
Watch the videos:
Meet the candidates
LGBTI health and wellbeing
HIV and blood borne viruses
Community safety
LGBTI ageing
Trans* and intersex (parts I & II)
Anti-discrimination
Same-Sex Attracted and Gender Diverse Young People