The laws and policies in the NT have not kept up with changes in society. There is still ongoing inequality in law and policy in the NT. The last change to NT legislation relating to LGBTQI people was in 2003. Rainbow Territory has engaged with politicians to find out their policies in relation to the LGBTQI community. We asked number of questions, their responses are below.

Full scorecard as of 27 August 2016

Rainbow Territory election scorecard 27 August 2016

End discrimination in relation to employment by religious educational institutions

Rainbow Territory question to candidates: Do you support changing the law to end discrimination in employment based on sexuality by religious educational institutions?   Why/why not?

Candidate and party responses

Country Liberal Party Did not address the question. (23rd August, 2016). Hon Adam Giles CLP Chief.minister@nt.gov.au 8951 5463 / 8928 6500

Territory Labour “In relation to the section 27A exemption for Religious Educational Institutions in the Anti-Discrimination Act, Labour will undertake review of these provision in discussion with stakeholders”. 30th June, 2016. Mr Michael Gunner ALP opposition.leader@nt.gov.au 8999 6437 or 8928 6668

NT Greens “Our policy is that anti-discrimination laws should apply to everyone: with no exemptions. Greens federal education policy, http://greens.org.au/policies/education, denies public funding to schools that discriminate in this way”. 31st July, 2016. Justin Tutty, NT Greens Convenor convenor@nt.greens.org.au 0424 028 741

Delia Lawrie (IND) “I have not considered this matter fully and would consult with the religious educational institutions. I was unaware of any discrimination based on sexuality in regard to jobs in educational institutions. While clearly this shows an ignorance of the issue, it does not show that I support discrimination.” 20th March, 2016. Ms Delia Lawrie IND DeliaP.Lawrie@nt.gov.au 8999 6659 or 8946 1436

Kezia Purick (IND) ““Question 3, 4 and 5 it is currently against the law to discriminate against a person based on their religion or beliefs, sex, race, age, parenthood et al section 19 of the Anti-Discrimination Act. I support the Act and its contents.” 22nd March, 2016.

Rainbow Territory response to Kezia Purick’s comments:

It is our understanding that there is an exemption in the NT Anti-Discrimination Act (section 37A) that permits discrimination based on sexuality in relation to religious educational institutions which makes section 19 not apply.” No response was received from Kezia Purick in relation to this information as of 24 August 2016. Hon Kezia Purick IND kezia.purick@nt.gov.au 8999 6556 or 8946 1433

“I have looked at the chart and the red actions under my name for the safe school programme and discrimination by religious institutions are not correct. I stated in my submission to Rainbow Territory that I would support the schools that wish to take up the programme and if they did not for whatever reason, that is the school council’ s right to act on behalf of their school community. As a local member my first and fore most job is to represent views and aspirations of electors and not to force any thing on them that they may not want for whatever reason. In regards to religious institutions and discrimination, I stated that it is against the law and I support upholding the Act and the law.
In your chart also you have not included adoption by same sex couples and how the adoption act needs to change and that I supported amendments.
I trust this clarifies my comments” Kezia Purick, 26 August 2016 (via Facebook)

Phil Walcott (IND) “Religious indoctrination and the promotion of homophobic values is rife throughout many religious educational institutions. There are good examples (e.g. St. Philips College in Alice Springs) where this is not the case.” 8th August, 2016. Mr Phil Walcott IND https://www.facebook.com/phil4braitling 0402 36 00 15

Mrs Robyn Lambley (IND) In response to 8 specific questions pertaining to a range of issues the following general response was received.

“As the Member for Araluen for the past 6 years I have not been lobbied about any of these LGBTQI issues before and therefore I do not have set policy or positions on most of the questions you raise.

I am certainly open to learning more about the experiences and views of the LBGTQI community.

Suffice to say that I don’t believe anyone should be treated differently or discriminated against on the basis of their gender, identity or sexual preference. As a feminist, I feel very strongly that all people should be treated with dignity, fairness and respect and have access to equal opportunity in life.

If I am to be re-elected to the Electorate of Araluen I would be keen to meet and talk with representatives of your community to build a relationship and better understanding”. 11th August, 2016. Mrs Robyn Lambley IND robyn.lambley@nt.gov.au 8951 5588 or 8946 1438

Gerry Wood (IND) Did not address the question. (23rd August, 2016). Mr Gerry Wood IND gerry.wood@nt.gov.au 8999 6713

Fertility service access for all women

Rainbow Territory question to candidates: Do you support changes to the law to end discrimination against women of diverse sexualities accessing artificial fertilisation procedures? Why/why not?

Candidate and party responses

Country Liberal Party Did not address the question. (23rd August, 2016). Hon Adam Giles CLP Chief.minister@nt.gov.au 8951 5463 / 8928 6500

Territory Labor “Support changes to the law to end discrimination against women of diverse sexualities accessing artificial fertilisation procedures.” 30th June, 2016. Mr Michael Gunner ALP opposition.leader@nt.gov.au 8999 6437 or 8928 6668

NT Greens “yes. we seek to oppose discrimination in any area of public policy, and recognise the rights of same sex couples to have a family.” 31st July, 2016. Justin Tutty, NT Greens Convenor convenor@nt.greens.org.au 0424 028 741

Delia Lawrie (IND) “Yes all women deserve equal access to artificial fertilisation procedures. “20th March, 2016. Ms Delia Lawrie IND DeliaP.Lawrie@nt.gov.au 8999 6659 or 8946 1436

Kezia Purick (IND) “ It was quite difficult to work out what the situation is in the NT, it looks like IVF is available to a Lesbian couple, but that funding of this as a health services in the NT is not available (they have to pay for it).  In many cases IVF treatment is very expensive and most people undertake many treatments.  Currently there is an investigation occurring throughout all Australia on the fact these sorts of health clinics have inflated their pregnancy rates as a result of treatments, so they have people undergoing many treatments and not getting a result.

I contacted Repromed NT, who are the private firm in this area and they confirmed that their service is available to a Lesbian couple in the NT. So it seems that the service can be accessed, however, there remains an expense which may be cost prohibitive to some couples.  However, as you can see by this link, couples are still going south for treatment. Services should be fair to all couples” 22nd March, 2016.

Hon Kezia Purick IND kezia.purick@nt.gov.au 8999 6556 or 8946 1433

Phil Walcott (IND) “I believe that lesbian couples or individuals should be granted the same access to in-vitro fertilisation options as their heterosexual cohort.” 8th August, 2016. Mr Phil Walcott IND https://www.facebook.com/phil4braitling 0402 36 00 15

Mrs Robyn Lambley (IND) In response to 8 specific questions pertaining to a “range of issues the following general response was received.

“As the Member for Araluen for the past 6 years I have not been lobbied about any of these LGBTQI issues before and therefore I do not have set policy or positions on most of the questions you raise.

I am certainly open to learning more about the experiences and views of the LBGTQI community.

Suffice to say that I don’t believe anyone should be treated differently or discriminated against on the basis of their gender, identity or sexual preference. As a feminist, I feel very strongly that all people should be treated with dignity, fairness and respect and have access to equal opportunity in life.

If I am to be re-elected to the Electorate of Araluen I would be keen to meet and talk with representatives of your community to build a relationship and better understanding”. 11th August, 2016. Mrs Robyn Lambley IND robyn.lambley@nt.gov.au 8951 5588 or 8946 1438

Gerry Wood (IND) Did not address the question. (23rd August, 2016) Mr Gerry Wood IND gerry.wood@nt.gov.au 8999 6713

End adoption discrimination against same sex couples

Response to Rainbow Territory question: do you support changing the law to end discrimination based on the gender or marital status of the couple in relation to adoption? Why/why not?

Candidate and party responses

Country Liberal Party Did not address question. 6 April 2016. Hon Adam Giles CLP Chief.minister@nt.gov.au 8951 5463 / 8928 6500

Territory Labor “Support changes to adoption laws that end discrimination based on gender and marital status” 30 June 2016. Mr Michael Gunner ALP opposition.leader@nt.gov.au 8999 6437 or 8928 6668

NT Greens “Yes. We seek to oppose discrimination in any area of public policy, and recognise the rights of same sex couples to have a family.” 31 July 2016. Justin Tutty, NT Greens Convenor convenor@nt.greens.org.au 0424 028 741

Delia Lawrie (IND) “The law should not prevent adoption based on gender or marital status.” 20 March 2016. Ms Delia Lawrie IND DeliaP.Lawrie@nt.gov.au 8999 6659 or 8946 1436

Kezia Purick (IND) “an item that you did not mention, which I know is important to many same sex couples (including my electorate) is adoption. Currently same sex couples in the NT cannot adopt here in Australia or overseas if their home base does not have laws to allow such adoption. I understand that the Government is looking to review the Adoption Act and this is a good move” 22 March 2016. Hon Kezia Purick IND kezia.purick@nt.gov.au 8999 6556 or 8946 1433

“In your chart also you have not included adoption by same sex couples and how the adoption act needs to change and that I supported amendments. I trust this clarifies my comments” 26 August 2016 Hon Kezia Purick IND.

Phil Walcott (IND) “Same-sex couples often foster children so there should be no impediment to them adopting. The adoption process is a very well regulated and vigorous one and should be applied equally across the spectrum. Adoption processes by same-sex couples should be the same as opposite-sex couples.” 8 August 2016. Mr Phil Walcott IND https://www.facebook.com/phil4braitling 0402 36 00 15

Transgender and gender diverse prisoner rights

Candidate and party responses

Rainbow Territory asked: “Do you support a change in policy in relation to transgender and gender diverse prisoners in the corrections system to ensure that transgender and gender diverse prisoners are placed in prisons based on self-identification rather than their biological gender?”

Country Liberal Party – Did not address question however Rainbow Territory was advised by the Department of Corrections that the first draft of a policy has been completed (7 August 2016) Hon Adam Giles CLP Chief.minister@nt.gov.au 8951 5463 / 8928 6500

Territory Labor – Support changing policies to support gender diverse and transgender prisoners in self identifying for their prison placement. We understand there are significant issues involved in this issue and would act at all times in a way that protects the safety of the individuals involved. However, we are prepared to work with the LGBQTf community, prison officials and prison officers to reform legislation to protect the rights of transgender and gender diverse Territorians. (30 June 2016) Mr Michael Gunner ALP opposition.leader@nt.gov.au 8999 6437 or 8928 6668

NT Greens – “We do not have specific NT policies on changing the laws and policies to prevent vilification [but] we do fully support these positive changes.” (24 August 2016) Matthew Haubrick, NT Greens Candidate Nightcliff. Contact: Justin, Greens convenor NT: convenor@nt.greens.org.au 0424 028 741

Delia Lawrie Independent (Karama) – “I’d support a study being undertaken to provide recommendations as to how transgender and gender diverse prisoners can be appropriately incarcerated based on self-identification in an environment which is safe.” (20 March 2016)

Kezia Purick Independent (Goyder) – “One of the main issues for people in jail (and Government) is the prisoners’ safety in the general population. Currently in the NT there is no policy on how corrections should assess a prisoner of transgender. Northern Territory should have a policy in place for transgender circumstances and that the safety of the prisoner is paramount. This may be an issue to take up with Government and the Labor Opposition. First and foremost, there needs to be an understanding of the extent of the issue and then to develop policies and how best to accommodate people of transgender who end up in the correctional system such that there is no discrimination or detriment.” 22 March 2016

Phil Walcott Independent (Braitling): “Transgender prisoners should be afforded the opportunity to be incarcerated with their gender of self-identification where practicable.” (17 April 2016) Mr Phil Walcott IND https://www.facebook.com/phil4braitling 0402 36 00 15

Gerry Wood Independent (Nelson) – No response received as at 14 August 2016

Robyn Lambley Independent (Arulen) Did not address question however stated “Suffice to say that I do not believe anyone should be treated differently or discriminated against on the basis of their gender, identity or sexual preference. As a feminist I feel very strongly that all people should be treated with dignity, fairness and respect and have access to equal opportunity in life.” (11 August 2016) Mrs Robyn Lambley IND robyn.lambley@nt.gov.au 8951 5588 or 8946 1438

Suicide prevention

Candidate and party responses

Rainbow Territory question to candidates and parties: LGBTQI people have significantly poorer mental health and higher rates of suicide than other Australians, and this is more so for young people. What policies does your party have that support young LGBTQI people in urban, rural and remote NT?

Green – party/candidate articulated a mental health and/or suicide prevention policy that considers the needs of young LGBTQI people.

Orange – party/candidate articulated a mental health and/or suicide prevention policy but did not specifically consider the needs of young LGBTQI people.

Red – no policy articulated.

Country Liberal Party In response to the Rainbow Territory question at the NTCOSS forum in which Adam Giles was asked to specify what will be done to address the high rates of suicide in the LGTQI community, with specific reference to young people and Indigenous peoples. “Suicide is an issue that affects many of us in the community. With reference to that particularly question, the Department of Health does not have any specific programs that address that particular cohort.” As the CLP are currently in government Rainbow Territory has attributed the 2012 suicide prevention plan as the current CLP policy. 15th August, 2016. Hon Adam Giles CLP Chief.minister@nt.gov.au 8951 5463 / 8928 6500

For more information on the NTCOSS forum check out the Rainbow Territory report

Territory Labor “Please find attached Labor’s recent statement on mental health. This provides a commitment to halving suicide rates in 10 years. We understand that to address that we need to address the LGBTQI issues present in our horrific suicide rate.” 11 August, 2016. Link to statement

NT Greens “We want to increase mental health funding, with money for programs ranging from the employment of more mental health nurses to providing more support accommodation in regional Australia.” 31 July, 2016. Justin Tutty, NT Greens Convenor convenor@nt.greens.org.au 0424 028 741

Delia Lawrie (IND) “As an Independent MLA I am not a member of a party. I feel very strongly that it is crucial for specific youth mental health funding to be allocated to support LGBTQI people in all regions of the Northern Territory. This new funding allocation should be advertised, providing a range of service delivery organisations such as the AIDS and Hepatitis Council and Headspace to bid for this program funding. It could be a mix of different funding providers throughout the regions to suit service delivery. For example, AMSANT members may be best able to deliver these specialist services in the regions.” 16 August, 2016. Ms Delia Lawrie IND DeliaP.Lawrie@nt.gov.au 8999 6659 or 8946 1436

Kezia Purick (IND) “It is my view that adequate resources should be available either through direct grants or for programmes that contribute to the health and wellbeing of young people and where there is an identified need. Many young people experience mental health and wellbeing issues and they are not necessarily associated with sexual orientation. In the rural area, I have been a strong supporter of the Bush Baptist Church that runs a series of programmes for young people and these programmes have had a good success rate in terms of engagement and assisting young people through troubled times. I support also the work of youth movement such as scouts and guides at all levels as these activities help young people to experience a d learn new skills and equip them for the challenges in life.” 5 August, 2016. Hon Kezia Purick IND kezia.purick@nt.gov.au 8999 6556 or 8946 1433

Phil Walcott (IND) “Support for NGOs (e.g. headspace, PFlag) to offer guidance and assistance. School Councils to adopt policy and practice positions.” 8 August, 2016. Mr Phil Walcott IND https://www.facebook.com/phil4braitling  0402 36 00 15

Mrs Robyn Lambley (IND) In response to 8 specific questions pertaining to a range of issues the following general response was received.

“As the Member for Araluen for the past 6 years I have not been lobbied about any of these LGBTQI issues before and therefore I do not have set policy or positions on most of the questions you raise.

I am certainly open to learning more about the experiences and views of the LBGTQI community.

Suffice to say that I don’t believe anyone should be treated differently or discriminated against on the basis of their gender, identity or sexual preference. As a feminist, I feel very strongly that all people should be treated with dignity, fairness and respect and have access to equal opportunity in life.

If I am to be re-elected to the Electorate of Araluen I would be keen to meet and talk with representatives of your community to build a relationship and better understanding”. 11 August, 2016. Mrs Robyn Lambley IND robyn.lambley@nt.gov.au 8951 5588 or 8946 1438

Safe Schools roll out & future funding

Candidate and party responses

Pre 25 August 2016 Country Liberal Party In response to the Rainbow Territory question at the NTCOSS forum in which Adam Giles was asked to clarify where the roll out of safe schools is up to the following response was received “we support Safe Schools. It will be rolled out in semester 2, 2016”. 15 August, 2016. Hon Adam Giles CLP Chief.minister@nt.gov.au 8951 5463 / 8928 6500

For more information on the NTCOSS forum check out the Rainbow Territory report

Country Liberal Party current position: In an un-broadacst debate at the NTCOSS forum (see Rainbow Territory report) Giles’ expressed support for the program. While in televised debate used the word “grooming” when talking about the programme article here.

Adam Giles: “But the context tonight was about: do you support grooming kids in their sexuality. I do not support that and that component of the Safe Schools program will not be brought into the Northern Territory while I’m there.” 25 August 2016

Territory Labor “Labor fundamentally believes in working with the community to create a decent, safe and tolerant society. Therefore we will support the Safe Schools policy or a similar policy that is appropriate for Territory circumstances.” 11 August, 2016. Mr Michael Gunner ALP opposition.leader@nt.gov.au 8999 6437 or 8928 6668

NT Greens Does your party support the implementation of Safe Schools in the NT or the funding of a similar programme (if defunded by the Federal government)? “Yes.” 31 July, 2016. Justin Tutty, NT Greens Convenor convenor@nt.greens.org.au 0424 028 741

Delia Lawrie (IND) “I am an Independent MLA and not a member of a party. I was appalled that the Federal Government sought to axe Safe Schools programs. It beggars belief that any respectful and decent Government would seek to condone bullying, homophobic and transphobic discrimination at our schools. The Safe Schools program should be fully funded and rolled out across ALL of our schools.” 16 August, 2016. Ms Delia Lawrie IND DeliaP.Lawrie@nt.gov.au 8999 6659 or 8946 1436

Kezia Purick (IND) “from talks I have had with some teachers, council members and people in the community, they are not fully supportive of this programme. If they asked me to support them then that is what I would do.” 5 August, 2016. Hon Kezia Purick IND kezia.purick@nt.gov.au 8999 6556 or 8946 1433

“I have looked at the chart and the red actions under my name for the safe school programme and discrimination by religious institutions are not correct. I stated in my submission to Rainbow Territory that I would support the schools that wish to take up the programme and if they did not for whatever reason, that is the school council’ s right to act on behalf of their school community. As a local member my first and fore most job is to represent views and aspirations of electors and not to force any thing on them that they may not want for whatever reason. In regards to religious institutions and discrimination, I stated that it is against the law and I support upholding the Act and the law.
In your chart also you have not included adoption by same sex couples and how the adoption act needs to change and that I supported amendments.
I trust this clarifies my comments” Kezia Purick, 26 August 2016 (via Facebook)

As a result of this information from Kezia Purick Rainbow Territory has changed Kezia Purick’s rating from Red (no support) to Orange (some support).

Phil Walcott (IND) “Support for the introduction and enhancement of Safe Schools programs as adapted to particular student populations.” 8 August, 2016. Mr Phil Walcott IND https://www.facebook.com/phil4braitling 0402 36 00 15

Mrs Robyn Lambley (IND) In response to 8 specific questions pertaining to a range of issues the following general response was received. Rainbow Territory encourages community members to get in touch with Robyn Lambley.

“As the Member for Araluen for the past 6 years I have not been lobbied about any of these LGBTQI issues before and therefore I do not have set policy or positions on most of the questions you raise.

I am certainly open to learning more about the experiences and views of the LBGTQI community.

Suffice to say that I don believe anyone should be treated differently or discriminated against on the basis of their gender, identity or sexual preference. As a feminist, I feel very strongly that all people should be treated with digninity, fairness and respect and have access to equal opportunity in life.

If I am to be re-elected to the Electorate of Araluen I would be keen to meet and talk with representatives of your community to build a relationship and better understanding”. 11 August, 2016. Mrs Robyn Lambley IND robyn.lambley@nt.gov.au 8951 5588 or 8946 1438

 

Introduce vilification laws

Rainbow Territory question to candidates: Do you support changing the law to make vilifying people on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity against the law?  Why/why not?

Candidate and party responses

Country Liberal Party Did not address the question. (23rd August, 2016). Hon Adam Giles CLP Chief.minister@nt.gov.au 8951 5463 / 8928 6500

Territory Labour “Ensure anti-vilification laws are introduced to prevent vilification on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity”. 30th July, 2016. Mr Michael Gunner ALP opposition.leader@nt.gov.au 8999 6437 or 8928 6668

NT Greens – “We do not have specific NT policies on changing the laws and policies to allow prisoners to be incarcerated as their chosen gender identity [but] we do fully support these positive changes.” (24 August 2016) Matthew Haubrick, NT Greens Candidate Nightcliff. Contact: Justin, Greens convenor NT: convenor@nt.greens.org.au 0424 028 741

Delia Lawrie (IND) “Yes I am opposed to vilification based on sexual orientation or gender and would happily support changes to the law.” 20th March, 2016. Ms Delia Lawrie IND DeliaP.Lawrie@nt.gov.au 8999 6659 or 8946 1436

Kezia Purick (IND) “it is currently against the law to discriminate against a person based on their religion or beliefs, sex, race, age, parenthood et al section 19 of the Anti-Discrimination Act. I support the Act and its contents.” 22nd March, 2016.

Rainbow Territory response to comments:

It is Rainbow Territory’s understanding that vilification is currently not covered in this Act whatsoever.

Hon Kezia Purick IND kezia.purick@nt.gov.au 8999 6556 or 8946 1433

Phil Walcott (IND) “Vilification and social profiling of people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity should be made illegal. As a potential Independent member of the next Legislative Assembly, I would promote it as a Private Members Bill.” 8th August, 2016. Mr Phil Walcott IND https://www.facebook.com/phil4braitling 0402 36 00 15

Mrs Robyn Lambley (IND) In response to 8 specific questions pertaining to a range of issues the following general response was received.

“As the Member for Araluen for the past 6 years I have not been lobbied about any of these LGBTQI issues before and therefore I do not have set policy or positions on most of the questions you raise.

I am certainly open to learning more about the experiences and views of the LBGTQI community.

Suffice to say that I don believe anyone should be treated differently or discriminated against on the basis of their gender, identity or sexual preference. As a feminist, I feel very strongly that all people should be treated with dignity, fairness and respect and have access to equal opportunity in life.

If I am to be re-elected to the Electorate of Araluen I would be keen to meet and talk with representatives of your community to build a relationship and better understanding”. 11th August, 2016. Mrs Robyn Lambley IND robyn.lambley@nt.gov.au 8951 5588 or 8946 1438

Gerry Wood (IND) Did not address the question. (23rd August, 2016). Mr Gerry Wood IND gerry.wood@nt.gov.au 8999 6713

What Rainbow Territory wants to change

Specific laws and policies

  • Changing the law to end discrimination against women of diverse sexualities to allow access to artificial fertilisation procedures.

Discrimination within most areas of service provision is illegal in NT. However, artificial fertilisation procedures are excluded as a service under the Anti-Discrimination Act (NT). This means women who seek to access artificial fertilisation procedures can lawfully be prevented from accessing this on the basis of their sexuality.

  • Changing the law to end discrimination in employment based on sexuality by religious educational institutions

Currently, schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions that operate in accordance with a particular religion are able to discriminate against persons on the basis of sexuality in the area of work if the discrimination “is in good faith to avoid offending the religious sensitivities of people of the particular religion.” This means that a person otherwise qualified for a position of employment within a religious school can be refused employment purely on the basis of their sexuality.

  • Changing the law to make vilifying people on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity against the law.

At least four other jurisdictions in Australia including NSW, QLD and the ACT have legislation that prohibits vilification on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and relationships. The NT does not, and thus fails to provide a remedy to persons aggrieved by communications that are made in public that incite hatred towards, serious contempt for, or serious ridicule of people on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identify.

  • Changing the law to end discrimination based on the gender or marital status of the couple in relation to adoption.

Same-sex couples are legally barred from adopting children in the NT. Adoption is only available to single people in “exceptional circumstances”, to couples married for at least 2 years or to couples who are in a traditional Aboriginal marriage of no less than two years. This effectively prevents same-sex couples from adopting children due to the definition of a couple as a man and a woman in the Adoption of Children Act1994 (NT) and the definition of marriage set out in the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth). This impacts existing and future families with same sex parents.

Further, step-parents in same-sex relationships are prevented from adopting under current law. This effectively prohibits a person in a long-term same-sex relationship from adopting the child of their partner despite assuming a parental role, even in circumstances where the partner dies.

  • Change in policy in relation to transgender and gender diverse prisoners in the corrections system to ensure that transgender and gender diverse prisoners are placed in prisons based on self-identification rather than their biological gender.

Rainbow Territory understands that following strong advocacy work done by Sisters and Brothers NT the Department of Corrections is currently working with Sisters and Brothers NT to develop a policy in relation to transgender prisoners. We support the work of Sisters and Brothers NT in this endeavour.

  • Rainbow Territory wants the Safe Schools program to be adopted and implemented in NT schools
    • commit to implementing and expanding Safe Schools and the funding of a similar program in the NT if required
    • make participation in Safe Schools mandatory for all schools in the NT
  • Rainbow Territory wants better support for young people in the Territory who identify as LGBTQI. This includes brother boys and sister girls living in remote and urban communities, as well as young LGBTQI people in Darwin, Alice Springs, and other towns in the Territory. This includes at a Territory and city level.
    • acknowledge the safety and support of LGBTIQ youth including Indigenous LGBTIQ youth as a Territory priority and recognise this group as an at-risk group requiring specific targeted programs
    • remove barriers to services so they are inclusive and accessible to the LGBTIQ community
  • Rainbow Territory wants an ageing policy developed for the NT that recognises and includes LGBTQI people, and is based on consultation with the LGBTQI community
  • Rainbow Territory wants a mental health policy developed for the NT that recognises and includes LGBTQI people, and is based on consultation with the LGBTQI community
  • Rainbow Territory wants a same-sex partnership registry
  • Rainbow Territory wants a system created for expunging criminal records for men convicted of sex offences at the time homosexual sex was illegal
  • Rainbow Territory supports a change in the requirement that trans Territorians undergo surgery before being able to change their sex/gender on official documents (e.g. birth certificate)
  • Rainbow Territory supports marriage equality

What you can do

Write to, call, and meet with your local politician. Ask them where they stand on these issues. Talk to them about why they should support changes to the laws and policies in the NT. Tell your friends and family.

Country Liberal Party

Hon Adam Giles CLP Chief.minister@nt.gov.au 8951 5463 / 8928 6500

Hon Peter Chandler CLP Minister.chandler@nt.gov.au 8999 5587 / 8928 6553

Mr Matt Conlan CLP matt.conlan@nt.gov.au 8951 5531 / 8946 1412

Mrs Lia Finocchiaro CLP lia.finocchiaro@nt.gov.au 8999 5397 / 8946 1481

Hon Gary Higgins CLP Minister.higgins@nt.gov.au 8999 6432 / 8999 7540

Mr Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu CLP francis.kurrupuwu@nt.gov.au 8999 6950 / 8946 1476

Hon Bess Nungarrayi Price CLP Minister.price@nt.gov.au 8951 5568 / 8971 1995

Hon Peter Styles CLP Minister.styles@nt.gov.au 8999 6781 / 8928 6547

 

Labor

Ms Natasha Fyles ALP natasha.fyles@nt.gov.au 8999 6743 or 8946 1471

Mr Michael Gunner ALP opposition.leader@nt.gov.au 8999 6437 or 8928 6668

Ms Nicole Manison ALP nicole.manison@nt.gov.au 8999 6795 or 8946 1411

Mr Gerry McCarthy ALP gerry.mccarthy@nt.gov.au 8962 4641 or 8946 1472

Ms Lauren Moss ALP lauren.moss@nt.gov.au 8999 6343 or 8946 1473

Mr Ken Vowles ALP ken.vowles@nt.gov.au 8999 6620 or 8946 1475

Ms Lynne Walker ALP lynne.walker@nt.gov.au 8987 0125 or 8946 1446

Greens

Justin Tutty, NT Greens Convenor convenor@nt.greens.org.au 0424 028 741

 

Independent

Mrs Robyn Lambley IND robyn.lambley@nt.gov.au 8951 5588 or 8946 1438

Ms Delia Lawrie IND DeliaP.Lawrie@nt.gov.au 8999 6659 or 8946 1436

Ms Larisa Lee IND larisa.lee@nt.gov.au 8973 8780 or 8946 1478

Hon Kezia Purick IND kezia.purick@nt.gov.au 8999 6556 or 8946 1433

Mr Gerry Wood IND gerry.wood@nt.gov.au 8999 6713 or 8946 1591

Mr Phil Walcott IND https://www.facebook.com/phil4braitling 0402 36 00 15

 

 

What Rainbow Territory is doing

Rainbow Territory advocates for the human rights of Northern Territorians who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (‘LGBTIQ’). Rainbow Territory aims to develop a safer, fairer and a more inclusive Northern Territory.

We are currently working to influence the NT election and prioritise issues relevant for our community.

We are always looking for people across the NT who want to get active so we can achieve more together than as individuals. Please contact us.