(Community Recognition Statement, 18 June 2014, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

I thank senators Sue Boyce and Louise Pratt for their leadership and constant support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex [LGBTI] community during their time in the Federal Senate. In her valedictory speech last night Senator Boyce gave hope to marriage equality supporters across the country, saying that Coalition parties would allow a free vote by the end of the year and that marriage equality can pass with cross-party support. Senator Boyce will be remembered in the history books as the first Federal Coalition senator to cross the floor to support marriage equality.

Senator Louise Pratt also gave her valedictory speech last night. During her time in the Senate she was always a strong and effective advocate for LGBTI equality, and one of the first Federal members of the Australian Labor Party to express support for marriage equality. Along with her partner, Aram Hosie, Louise has been a vital and influential voice in the Federal Parliament for the transgender and intersex community. Senator Pratt's and Senator Boyce's passion for equality and human rights has had a meaningful and positive impact on many of my LGBTI constituents and their families. Our parliaments need more people like them.