By Jena Carr
Surf Coast Shire Council has approved the establishment of an LGBTQIA+ Reference Group to provide more inclusive support to the community.
The council approved the petition from the Rainbow Local Government seeking an LGBTQIA+ advisory committee during its Tuesday, November 28, meeting.
Councillor Kate Gazzard said it was important to have a more tailored approach to help the council better engage with the community.
“The rainbow local government formed before the previous local government elections and are really trying to get more diverse LGBTQIA+ representation and great allyship on council,” she said.
“We have shown initiative and achievements particularly towards gender equality and gender equity…and the establishment of a reference group is in keeping with the need in the community.”
Cr Paul Barker said race, religion, socio-economic status, sex, gender, marital status, or political preference should not change how people are “treated by any government”.
“I care about everyone, regardless of their background, genetics or choices, even my colleagues here who I sometimes disagree with,” he said.
“Those who fall into the LGBTQIA+ banner are not all the same. They are all beautiful, independent human beings with so much potential.
“They don’t need different roads, bins or parks, and I don’t think there’s a reason to treat them any differently to anyone else, save for maybe an additional toilet cubicle.”
Cr Gazzard said there was a “demonstrated” need for a reference group to help protect the Surf Coast Shire community.
“The disproportionate rates of suicide in our LGBTQIA+ community, particularly in youth, so that’s something we can work on when we’re making an inclusive community,” she said.
