Tas Gov't to fund programs targetting anti-gay discrimination and violence / Greens secure key election commitment

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 18.6.10.

Gay community advocates have welcomed the State Government's announcement that it will contribute $150,000 to community projects which reduce prejudice, discrimination and violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) Tasmanians.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Jen Van-Achteren, said the fund, announced yesterday as part of the 2010 State Budget, will help reduce levels of workplace discrimination and hate-motived assault which are some of the highest in the nation.

"While Tasmania has some of the best laws and policies on GLBTI issues in Australia, surveys have shown community attitudes have not kept pace", Ms Van-Achteren said.

"If Tasmania is to be a truly accepting and inclusive society it is vital that Government resource community groups to develop innovative and effective ways to reduce prejudice-based discrimination and violence."

The $150,000 fund was a key Tasmanian Green election commitment to the GLBTI community.

The three-year fund will be available to community groups for projects that help meet the Tasmanian Together benchmarks, set under Labor Premier Jim Bacon, of reducing discrimination and hate-motivated assault against GLBTI people.

$50,000 will be available in the first year.

The relevant line item is included below.

For more information contact Jen Van-Achteren on 0401 054 03 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

Community Development Support

In 2010-11, $50 000 has been allocated as part of a new $150 000 funding commitment to provide grants to community groups to assist progress towards the Tasmania Together's benchmarks for the lesbian, gay bi-sexual, transgender and intersex community.
http://www.budget.tas.gov.au/media/pdf/publications/2010-11_P2_Volume_2.pdf
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