RAINBOW ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:42): Can the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion inform the chamber about the first meeting of the Rainbow Advisory Council and the LGBTIQ Inclusion Strategy?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:43): I thank the member for her question and I will explain what that is. I am pleased to inform the chamber that on 1 February I attended the first meeting of the Rainbow Advisory Council. For those members in the chamber who are not acquainted with the Rainbow Advisory Council, I can provide the following information.

In early 2012, the government decided to work in partnership with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer community (the LGBTIQ) to develop a social inclusion strategy for that community. To assist in the development of this strategy, an advisory group of LGBTIQ people was established by the previous minister, the Hon. Ian Hunter. The council consists of 16 people and will run for a term of 18 months.

It was a privilege to hear from the different members of the council, especially about their diverse backgrounds. A common theme was a commitment to community service and social justice. I was also pleased to hear that the members of the council represented all age groups and came from both metro and regional parts of the state.

The Rainbow Advisory Council will be responsible for consulting with interested parties from around the state to assist in developing recommendations and actions which will form the LGBTIQ Inclusion Strategy. It is my understanding that the council will meet again in March to confirm its terms of reference and develop a work plan for the next 18 months.

The council is co-chaired by the Executive Director of the Policy and Community Development Division of the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion and Mr Scott Sims. Ms Katrina Marton will be the deputy chair of the council. Both Mr Scott Sims and Ms Marton were elected by the council itself.

The government, as an initial step in developing the inclusion strategy, also commissioned what is known as the South Australian Rainbow Survey to ascertain what the important issues were facing the LGBTIQ community. The survey was undertaken in August and September last year and I am pleased to say that 431 responses were received. The initial feedback indicates that the three top priorities identified by people in that community were anti-discrimination, health and wellbeing, and cultural respect and awareness.

The survey results will be used by the council to assist them in targeting their efforts as best as possible and I look forward to receiving a more detailed analysis of survey results in the near future. I look forward to working alongside the Rainbow Advisory Council to achieve practical solutions to assist in improving the lives of people within the LGBTIQ community.