Media release – Equality Tasmania, 7 October 2022
LOCAL GOVT CANDIDATES COMMIT TO LGBTIQA+ INCLUSION
Equality Tasmania has released the preliminary results of its 2022 local government candidate survey.
The survey asked candidates about their views on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and asexual (LGBTIQA+) issues.
Through the survey Equality Tasmania called on candidates to commit to various actions to support equity, diversity and inclusion in their communities.
Preliminary results from the survey indicate that the overwhelming majority of candidates who participated consider themselves to be allies to the LGBTIQA+ community.
Over half of the candidates who responded to the survey are parents, partners, family members or other close relations to LGBTIQA+ people.
Importantly, 1 in 4 candidates who have responded to the survey identify as members of the LGBTIQA+ community themselves.
Most candidates surveyed across all local government areas committed to a range of actions to support the LGBTIQA+ community from flying the rainbow flag in local areas, to establishing LGBTIQA+ council advisory groups.
Group spokesperson, Dr Ruby Grant, said, “we are pleased so many candidates have responded positively to our survey.”
“As the tier of government closest to the community, local government has a key role to play in ensuring everyone feels respected and included.”
Candidates who have not yet completed the survey are invited to until October 23rd. To complete the candidate survey visit: https://forms.gle/ULLhWSHJteo4DW88A.
To read the full preliminary report, visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1riKyJpuhulg5la-UZoY1RbQwc9V1JedoLa3xttyqDOE/edit.
Ballots were mailed to electors this week. Polls close October 25th. Voting is compulsory.
