Released 16/11/2021 - Joint media release
The ACT Government is now better informed about the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ Canberrans with the launch of a new Scoping Study during Transgender Awareness Week.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the LGBTIQ+ Scoping Study investigated the barriers, gaps and opportunities for LGBTIQ+ health services in the ACT.
“The study is part of the action our Capital of Equality Strategy set out as essential for making Canberra the most LGBTIQ+ inclusive and welcoming city in Australia,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“It includes key recommendations to build on the ACT Government’s progress in making health services more LGBTIQ+ friendly and inclusive.
“Identifying where improvements are needed is a critical step in increasing accessibility to services and improving the quality of life for LGBTIQ+ Canberrans.”
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the Scoping Study reviewed existing LGBTIQ+ health research, work already completed by community organisations and feedback from the LGBTIQ+ community on what they need from health services in the ACT.
“Most importantly, the report is the product of the insights and ideas shared with us by members of the LGBTIQ+ Health Reference Group over the past 12-months,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“This report details a range of recommendations to help ensure health services meet the diverse needs and priorities of the ACT’s LGBTIQ+ community, including the need to focus on education, improve service provision and increase kindness and respect.
“The ACT Government committed $360,000 in the 2021-22 ACT Budget to begin addressing the Scoping Study’s recommendations including developing an implementation plan and the co-design of a gender-focused health service in collaboration with NGOs and LGBTIQ+ stakeholders.
“The Minister for Mental Health, Emma Davidson, is also launching Guidance to support gender affirming care for mental health today to provide immediate action on this recommendation from the Scoping Study. This Guidance will help practitioners provide more supportive mental health services for trans and gender diverse Canberrans.
“We will continue to work closely with the LGBTIQ+ community to implement the Scoping Study recommendations and I look forward to progressing this important work.”
The ACT Health Directorate thanks the many LGBTIQ+ community members, clinicians, government and non-government organisations and allies who engaged in the development of the Scoping Study to ensure a wide range of voices were captured and reflected in the recommendations.
The report can be accessed here.
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Andrew Barr, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases