Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before moving general business notice of motion No. 893, I ask that the names of Senators Hughes and McLachlan be added to the motion. I, and on behalf of Senators Pratt, Siewert, Hughes and McLachlan, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) Tuesday, 1 December 2020 was World AIDS Day, an annual day to acknowledge those we have lost to AIDS-related conditions and those who are living with HIV,

(ii) the theme for World AIDS Day 2020 was 'Now More Than Ever',

(iii) it is important Australians educate themselves about HIV, understand their risk of acquiring HIV and utilise the suite of prevention strategies in place to reduce HIV transmission,

(iv) the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to the ongoing international efforts to eliminate HIV transmission, and

(v) as outlined in the 8th National Strategy, action is needed to address rising HIV transmission among overseas born gay and bisexual men, First Nations and trans and gender diverse people; and

(b) acknowledges:

(i) the journey people have made through diagnosis, treatment and experiences of living with HIV,

(ii) the tremendous efforts of peer educators, community workforce, healthcare professionals, researchers and scientists in developing treatment and prevention regimes that have improved the lives of people living with HIV,

(iii) the strength of partnerships with affected communities in Australia's health response, and

(iv) the tireless advocates and support groups that actively tackle stigma associated with HIV.

Question agreed to.