Issue - decisions

Moved by Councillor Wilson (Arkins), seconded by Councillor Maxwell -

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         the Albanese Labor Government’s launch of the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People 2025–2035, which sets out a long-term vision to improve health outcomes for LGBTIQA+ communities across Australia;

(ii)        that Action 3 of the Plan specifically commits to improving national consistency in healthcare access, ensuring that LGBTIQA+ people can receive appropriate, safe, and affirming care no matter where they live;

(iii)       the vital work of LGBTIQA+ health organisations, community advocates, and healthcare professionals, many based in our City, in shaping the Plan through their expertise, lived experience, and advocacy; and

(iv)       the disappointing decision by the Queensland Government to restrict access to essential healthcare for trans and gender diverse young people, which runs counter to the goals of the National Action Plan and undermines efforts to provide safe and inclusive care across all jurisdictions;

(B)       Council:

(i)         commend the Albanese Labor Government and the Hon Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, for delivering the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People 2025–2035 and for their commitment to improving the health outcomes of LGBTIQA+ communities;

(ii)        congratulate the LGBTIQA+ healthcare sector, including community health organisations, researchers, and advocates, for their critical role in informing the Plan and advancing equitable health care;

(iii)       affirm its commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that improve healthcare access and outcomes for LGBTIQA+ people, in line with the objectives of the National Action Plan; and

(iv)       express concern over policies that limit access to gender-affirming care and urge all levels of government to ensure LGBTIQA+ people, particularly trans and gender diverse youth, receive the support and medical care they need; and

(C)       the Lord Mayor be requested to:

(i)         write to the Hon Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, on behalf of the Council, expressing gratitude and support for her leadership in delivering the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People and reinforcing the importance of national consistency in healthcare access;

(ii)        write to the Hon Ryan Park, NSW Minister for Health, expressing Council’s support for the LGBTIQA+ National Health Action Plan, reinforcing the importance of national consistency in healthcare access, and reiterating our calls for LGBTIQA+ people, particularly trans and gender diverse youth, to have equitable access to the support and medical care they need; and

(iii)       continue to advocate for policies that promote inclusive, equitable, and affirming healthcare for all LGBTIQA+ people, including in the City’s programs and partnerships.

Carried unanimously.

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