Palaszczuk Government announces funding for LGBTI Legal Service ahead of postal survey

The Palaszczuk Government is ensuring members of the LGBTI community can get the legal support they need in the lead up to the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey, with new funding announced for the LGBTI Legal Service.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath has announced an extra $7000 for Queensland’s LGBTI Legal Service to help enhance community awareness around unlawful vilification during the marriage survey.

“The LGBTI Legal Service expects there will be an increased demand for legal assistance during the postal survey in relation to unlawful vilification," she said.

“This follows on from the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commission urging all members of the community to show respect on tolerance during the period of the postal survey.

“Under the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act, there are prohibitions that are designed to protect people from vilification because of their sexuality, race, religion or gender identity.”

Mrs D’Ath said the LGBTI Legal Service requested $7000 of funding to help run a temporary project, Like Love, during the postal survey period.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring Queenslanders have the help they need during this crucial time of the marriage survey, and we want to support the LGBTI community as much as possible.

“The LGBTI Legal Service is the only specialist provider of legal assistance to the LGBTI community in Queensland and it is crucial that they get the support they need.

“This funding is on top of the $409,000 we announced earlier this year to fund the LGBTI Legal Service as part of the distribution of funding for Community Legal Services across Queensland.

“This was the first time LGBTI Legal Service had received any Government funding for the important work they do and we are proud to support them even more with this recent funding.”

LGBTI Legal Service President Matilda Alexander said the Like Love project would involve training and coordinating volunteers to monitor online forums, media and posters and ensure accountability where unlawful vilification may have occurred.

"Our community will be stronger and healthier if everyone knows there are limits on spreading hate and ways of enforcing these laws," Ms Alexander said.

Mrs D’Ath said the funding for LGBTI Legal Service would come from a contingency fund that was set aside to assist legal assistance services respond to emerging community legal needs.

Media contact:

Attorney-General: Pam Frost 0437 696 809

LGBTI Legal Service: Matilda Alexander 0421 201 951