Appointment of new anti-Discrimination chief welcomed

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 12.6.10.

The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group has welcomed the appointment of new Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Robin Banks.

Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said Ms Banks has a long and successful career as a human rights lawyer and advocate, including for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

"I am confident Ms Banks will be a strong defender of those Tasmanians who remain vulnerable to discrimination and prejudice", Mr Croome said.

"She has the skills and drive to ensure her office has an effective and robust role in combatting discrimination."

As CEO of the Sydney-based Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Ms Banks oversaw test cases on gay and lesbian human rights in areas as diverse as foster care and vilification.

Mr Croome also welcomed the fact that Ms Banks is Tasmania's first native-born-and-raised Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.

"Her long-established links to Tasmania will give Robin Banks an invaluable insight into how to effectively tackle discrimination in the Tasmanian context."

For more on Ms Banks' career and appointment see the Tasmanian Government announcement:
http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=29736

For more information or comment call Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.