The Australian Government’s announcement of $26 million of investment in LGBTIQA+ health research, announced at Sydney WorldPride 2023 Human Rights Conference has been welcomed by many rainbow groups.
The investment was announced alongside the development of a new 10 Year National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people which will guide how Australia addresses health disparities and improves the health system.
There will also be an LGBTIQA+ Health Advisory Group established to guide its progress.
Despite strong progress in treating and preventing HIV transmission, which has declined 37% in the six years to 2022, Australia faces enduring challenges with LGBTIQA+ health.
More than one-in-four young LGBTQA+ people have attempted suicide at some point in their lives, while more than six-in-ten have sought counselling or other support.
Research shows almost two-thirds (64%) of LGBTQ respondents avoid seeing a GP when they need to because they are not confident they will understand their life and health needs (33%), fear judgement (32%), poor past experience (28%), and lack of trust (27%).
The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisation has strongly endorsed the Federal Government’s plans with CEO Darryl O’Donnell welcoming the funding and how it will be administered through the Medical Research Future Fund.
“This investment promises to be a game changer,” O’Donnell said.
“It will transform our understanding of LGBTIQA+ health and properly inform the scope, scale and character of health services needed to arrest the health crisis facing our communities.
“AFAO strongly endorses Minister Kearney’s commitment to give more LGBTIQA+ Australians the support they need to lead their best lives.
“Over coming months, AFAO will be consulting with LGBTIQA+ people across Australia to understand their needs and preferences for health care.”
More than one-in-four young LGBTQA+ people have attempted suicide at some point in their lives, while more than six-in-ten have sought counselling or other support.
The AFAO believes stigma and discrimination are enormous hurdles standing in the way of LGTIQA+ people seeking and receiving the healthcare they need.
“With such shocking disparities in health outcomes, it’s clear that primary health care is not working for LGBTIQA+ people. We need to better understand why and how to fix that.
“There is incredible diversity across LGBTIQA+ communities, all of which must be understood if we’re to create more responsive primary health care services.
“From our consultations, we will be advising the Government on the changes needed to provide better primary health care for LGTBIQA+ Australians.
“We’re delighted the Government is committing to a new national plan to address health disparities for LGBTIQA+ communities, and look forward to partnering in its development and delivery.”
The funding has also been welcome by Equality Australia which is conducting the three-day Human Rights Conference associated with WorldPride.
Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown said it was a historic game-changing commitment.
The Federal Government recognises that our communities have unique and sometimes very challenging health needs,” said Brown.
“Quite simply, this plan will save lives.
“LGBTIQ+ people have significantly poorer mental health, disparities in other health outcomes and can often struggle to get the right care and treatment.
“Our communities have long called for greater national coordination and investment in this area.
“This funding package for new research – the largest ever for LGBTIQA+ health – is incredibly welcome news for the many people in our communities who feel their needs have not been met by the health system.
“The fact the announcement has happened here – at the largest LGBTIQ+ human rights conference ever held in the Asia Pacific region – is a sign of how far we have come in Australia when it comes to valuing and respecting our communities.
“It is time to make sure our health system works for everyone, no matter who they are or who they love.”
Last Updated on Mar 2, 2023
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