On the eve of International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the Leader of the Victorian Opposition The Hon. Daniel Andrews, has announced the appointment of Martin Foley MP as Victoria’s first Shadow Parliament Secretary for Equality.
“The decision to create this new role, working directly with me as the Leader of the Opposition, is in recognition of the work still required to end discrimination and ensure equality for our LGBTIQ communities and their families.” Mr Andrews said.
Mr Andrews made the announcement at a roundtable of LGBTIQ stakeholder organisations called to inform Labor’s Policy development for the 2014 State election in the face of the winding back of community rights under conservative State governments across the country.
“We have rightly created specific government and political responsibilities for other diverse communities who face discrimination and whose contributions we celebrate. So why not take a stand and recognise that LGBTIQ communities and their families make their own unique contribution to our diversity? Why not recognise that LGBTIQ Victorians face their own unique forms of discrimination and disadvantage? Why not declare a future Labor State Government would recognise, affirm and celebrate this diversity as a matter of right?” Mr Andrews said
“Martin Foley is a great advocate for equality and has a track record in working with Rainbow Labor, and LGBTIQ communities to secure their rights. He was a natural choice to take on this role”. Mr Andrews said.
Mr Foley will be spending the coming months meeting representatives throughout the various LGBTIQ communities in Melbourne and Regional Victoria. Further policy forums and development programs will be coordinated with the community by State Labor and Mr Foley.
“This is an exciting new role. That it’s the first in Australia means that State Labor and Daniel Andrews team is setting the standard of how other political parties work with their LGBTIQ communities and families to bring about change, build rights and win equality.” Mr Foley said
“I am looking forward to working with the representatives of LBGTI communities and their families to shape the LGBTIQ policy that the Victorian Labor Party will take to the next election in November 2014. I am also keen to work with the community to keep the pressure on the Liberal Napthine Government to stop their roll back of rights and end their cuts to important services the community relies on.” Mr Foley said.
Media release
Martin Foley state member for Albert park District