SAME-SEX YOUTH SERVICES

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (15:15): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Industrial Relations, representing the Minister for Health and Ageing, a question on the Inside Out and Evolve programs for same-sex attracted youth.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: All members would be aware of the Inside Out and Evolve programs currently under the auspices of Second Story Youth Health Service. We debated this issue last year and, for over a year now, the future of those programs—the Inside Out and Evolve programs—has been the subject of some concern. They are the state's only government-funded health programs for same-sex attracted youth. As we know, the statistics for those particular young people are quite dire in terms of attempted and completed suicide rates. Also, they are subject to quite high levels of discrimination, bullying and homophobia.

Given the valuable work that this program has done for almost 22 years, it was of great concern to read in Blaze magazine last week that peer educators for the Evolve project are reporting that the group's previously offered same-sex attracted youth services are not scheduled for this year and no worker has replaced the sole Evolve worker who resigned last year. In fact, as potential clients contact the service, they are not being given information about what will be happening in the near future.

I reiterate my concerns and my question of May 2011: if the government will not ensure that there is a same-sex attracted youth service in this state that offers not just one-on-one counselling, further isolating that young person, but an empowering model, which has group work, peer education and drop-in, then will they hand it to the non-government sector?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:17): I thank the honourable member for her very important question. I will take it on notice and refer it to the Minister for Health in another place and get a response back as soon as possible.