Ghassan Kassisieh CRS
(Community Recognition Statement, 21 June 2024, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)
On behalf of Sydney, I thank Ghassan Kassisieh for his immense contribution to the LGBTIQA+ community during his time as legal director of Equality Australia. Ghassan has worked on law reform, advocacy and representation for LGBTIQA+ people across the country and at all levels of government. His work has helped strengthen equality and fairness for some of the most vulnerable in the community and educate members of parliament about the legal challenges LGBTIQA+ people face. He is well known as an LGBTIQA+ law powerhouse. I'm especially grateful for Ghassan's determination and focus in ensuring New South Wales laws to ban LGBTIQA+ conversion practices were as robust as possible and for his work with stakeholders across the state to support drafting the LGBTIQA+ Equality Bill. Ghassan should be proud that he has improved the lives, wellbeing, safety, and rights of LGBTIQA+ people and their families. He is highly respected across the political spectrum, and his work with Equality Australia and in state and federal parliaments will continue to be a proud legacy.