Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Rice, move:

That the Senate—

(a) recognises that today is R U OK? Day, dedicated to reminding people to ask family, friends and colleagues in a meaningful way "R U OK?";

(b) acknowledges that:

(i) the National Mental Health Commission has warned that the LGBTIQ community will experience worsened negative mental health impacts during the marriage equality postal survey debate, due to increased scrutiny, judgement and discrimination, and

(ii) concurrently, there is a significant deficiency in mental health services, particularly for LGBTIQ communities, with essential services, like Living Proud, being defunded; and

(c) calls on the Government to:

(i) encourage the public to reach out to the LGBTIQ community and ask R U OK?, and

(ii) ensure sufficient mental health services for the LGBTIQ community following expert advice that the marriage equality postal survey will result in increased negative mental health outcomes.