Rainbow Territory asked Adam Giles and Michael Gunner two questions about their policies on LGBTIQ issues at NTCOSS’ pre-election forum last night. Their responses, while supportive to a point, showed a lack of engagement with the specific needs of our community and a lack of detail in the policies and programs they referred to as necessary to service our community.
Both leaders stated they support the Safe Schools program and intend to roll it out in the next term. But neither provided details as to the extent of their support for the program or how they intend to implement it. They did not specify whether they intend Safe Schools to be an opt-in program for schools across the NT or one which is to be compulsory for all schools. Nor did they comment on their plans for the ongoing funding of the program should federal funding be withdrawn.
Both leaders acknowledged the need for services to be accessible to all members of the public, including marginalised groups, but neither was able to name or outline any program specifically supporting our community in the area of suicide prevention.