Libs: We’ll listen on queer health issues
| 06 July 2010
An LGBT health forum is being organized for the electorate of Prahran, which will feature shadow Health Minister David Davis.
Both Davis and local Liberal candidate Clem Newtown-Brown want local LGBT people to attend and air their views on health services affecting the LGBT community.
Campaign manager Ben Coleman told MCV the forum was a “listening exercise”.
“All the local GPs will be invited and members of LGBT health and support services also,” Coleman said.
Coleman acknowledged that the present government had done a lot of work on LGBT health, and the shadow Minister wanted to assure the public that would continue under a Liberal government.
“The government has an advisory committee they can get feedback from; [as Opposition] we don’t have that,” Coleman explained.
“This isn’t a campaign event, there won’t be any policy announcements – although we fully expect people to question us on our policies, which is fine,” Coleman said.
“It really is our opportunity to listen to the community and learn what works and what more can be done.”
Newton-Brown told MCV health issues are a “critical concern” around Prahran.
“I’m working hard to develop solutions and policies which will help address these issues,” he said.
“This is an opportunity for the LGBTI community to directly interact and discuss issues that are important to them with the confidence that their concerns will be listened to and acted on.”
The forum will be held at the William Samson Centre, Prahran, on Wednesday, August 4 at 7pm.
Subscribe to this comment's feedwritten by Alex.p , July 08, 2010
Good to see the libs paying attention to gay voters... despite the stereotype, many glbt people vote liberal... especially older ones who remember that the labor party aren't the saviours when it comes to gay issues... most older voters aren't surprised to hear Julia Gillard's views on gay marriage for example... young voters will continue to be disappointed by labor.
written by curious , July 07, 2010
Perhaps Davis could start by explaining his personal voting record on gay issues and what he has personally done to combat homophobia? I believe that homophobia is a "critical concern" impacting upon the mental health of GLBTI voters.
