Janet Rice (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Steele-John, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) studies suggest that at least one in ten LGBTQA+ Australians are vulnerable to religion-based pressures and attempts to change or suppress their sexuality and/or gender identity,

(ii) many people who experience attempts to change or suppress the LGBTQA+ elements of their selves are severely harmed by those attempts,

(iii) today the Victorian Parliament is voting on the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Prohibition Bill, a world class bill that would outlaw sexuality and gender identity conversion practices across the state, and

(iv) a national approach to banning conversion practices is required to ensure the rights, wellbeing and protection of every LGBTQA+ Australian; and

(b) calls on the Government to establish a national inquiry into the prevalence and impact of formal and informal conversion practices in Australia, inclusive of educational, pastoral care and community settings.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government remains committed to addressing the mental and physical health of all Australians including the LGBTI community. However, these matters are well known to be a clear area of state legislative responsibility and accepted as matters for the state and territory governments to consider, as is happening in Victoria.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 975, standing in the name of Senators Steele-John and Rice, be agreed to.