Victorian Government appoints first Gender and Sexuality Commissioner
LONG-time LGBTI advocate Rowena Allen has been appointed as Victoria’s first Gender and Sexuality Commissioner.
The announcement was made today by Equality Minister Martin Foley, and follows Premier Daniel Andrews’ pledge to create the position during the state election last year.
[showads ad=MREC]“[I] am sure she will be a powerful advocate and agent for change on behalf of Victoria’s LGBTI community,” Foley said.
“The Andrews Labor Government is combating discrimination and homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, which significantly affect the health and wellbeing of LGBTI Victorians.”
In her new role, Allen will assist in championing the rights of LGBTI Victorians within the state government.
As the founding Chief Executive of UnitingCare Cutting Edge, Allen established Victoria’s first rural support group for young LGBTI people. She has also been a member of three Victorian Government LGBTI ministerial advisory groups.
“Many Victorians would be unaware that LGBTI Victorians experience discrimination every day in schools, workplaces, health settings, and the broader community,” she said.
“I am incredibly honoured to be appointed the first Victorian Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality and am looking forward to using my skills and networks to effect positive change for my community.”
Allen has been widely recognised for her community service. In 2003 she received a Centenary Medal, and in 2009 she was inducted into the Victorian Government’s Honour Roll for Women.
The new position was promised by the Victorian Labor Party as an election commitment in November last year.
The Premier stated that the Commissioner would be based within the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, and would work closely with the Equality Minister.
[showads ad=FOOT]
Ben – I wasn’t aware I had asked a question- I made a statement.
I think this appointment is unnecessary
Melbourne is a progressive city and glbti rights are some of the best in the western world
Gay gravy train….
You should feel guilty about your behavior
Keep it private please
“Melbourne is a progressive city and glbti rights are some of the best in the western world” That is not true at all and is complete bullshit!
In Victoria today, same-sex couples still can not jointly adopt children under the Adoption Act 1984 and interstate/overseas registered relationships are still not recognised under the Relationships Act 2007!
Right here in NSW – we beat you on both of these!
The ACT is also ahead of us in NSW in LGBTI rights in allowing trans* and intersex people the right to have a spouse and to be recognised on a birth certificate – unlike other states in Australia, were you are FORCED to divorce your spouse – after you change your sex on a birth certificate!
Along with Helen Kapalos as our new Multicultural Commissioner Melbourne is now the most liveable city in Australia
Let’s celebrate our strength and diversity and send a message to this ugly and nasty Government that Australia wants a more inclusive society
Team Australia is not a healthy notion for our Multicultural country.
It’s not bashing but constructive criticism. …
If we don’t eradicate homophobia there will be blood on his hands…
Excuse my radical opinion
That’s FREEDOM.
Yes..
Anyone who tries to make money from a Sydney siege isn’t worthy of respect
Narcissistic tendencies aren’t a quality I admire in any person weather they’re gay or not
You’re right Helen….the next article should be about racism amongst our community
Cheers
Long Overdue!
We need one here in NSW as well too!
Now in Victoria – can we now please focus on the 3 areas of legal discrimination; namely adoption reform, equal opportunity reform and interstate/international relationship reform!
Helen I don’t think there’s any need to bash within our own ranks if you don’ t mind – there’s plenty to worry about outside.
There are sadly ugly gay people in the community
Just like there are ugly free market Americans like Donald Trump
Cheers
Ruxxy
Please direct your question to the nasty gay liberals who attack Penny Wong and the activist wankers who trash all religious groups
This lovely woman comes from a church background herself
The gay lobby need to accept diversity within it’s ranks
Cheers xx
Let’s hope we don’t have any hate crimes in Victoria unlike Sydney and that disgusting attack with the transgendered individual
A fantastic initiative!
She deserves it more than that “other” Commissioner who is the tokenistic gay in the Liberal government.
Well done to her and our most liveable city.