Inclusion strategy elicits mixed feelings

Tasmania has launched its first Social Inclusion Strategy today, however local gay rights activists say the directive does not advance practical measures for change.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman, Rodney Croome said while he welcomes the Strategy the content remains “short on solutions,” for GLBT Tasmanians.
“We are pleased the Strategy is the first in Australia to acknowledge the exclusion GLBTI people face, but frustrated there’s no pointers for how to tackle this exclusion,” he said.
The strategy paper was released today by the state’s Social Inclusion Commissioner, Professor David Adams and includes GLBTI people as an at risk group for stigmatisation within in the community.
Premier David Bartlett said the Strategy was a step towards finding solutions to complex problems.
“I want to make sure every Tasmanian has these same opportunities to be the best they can be and to feel a sense of belonging in their own community,” he said.
Bartlett said the Government would respond to the Strategy by late next month.