The Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes tells a shameful story of hatred, discrimination and indifference towards LGBTIQ+ people in NSW Police and the wider community that led to violence, murder and the denial of justice. I worked to get the inquiry which assessed deaths potentially motivated by hate of the LGBTIQ community from 1970 to 2010 to find answers to homicides and make recommendations for future policing. The report is sobering reading with NSW Police found to have failed in its responsibility to properly investigate cases of gay and transgender hate crime, which undermined confidence in police and the criminal justice system among LGBTIQA+ people. I will follow up with government to implement recommendations to improve policing and reopen investigations into unsolved homicides.

The report shows the traumatic outcomes of treating LGBTQIA+ people as second-class citizens. My equality bill would remove discrimination and ensure LGBTIQA+ people are protected and affirmed in law. The bill will come up for debate in the early part of the year and I am working with colleagues across the political divide to get it passed.

The report > HERE.

Support services ACON 9206 2000, QLife 1800 184 527, Lifeline 13 14 11,  13YARN 13 92 76.