Rainbow Futures WA named new independent peak body for LGBTQIA plus Western Australians

• Rainbow Futures WA announced as Western Australia's new LGBTQIA+ peak body
• The peak body will represent and advocate for LGBTQIA+ people in WA
• Representatives to play an important role in the development of WA's first whole-of-government LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Strategy

Rainbow Futures WA has been named as the new independent peak body to represent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual Plus (LGBTQIA+) people in Western Australia following a competitive tender process by the Department of Communities (Communities).

Rainbow Futures WA is a consortium of WA-based LGBTQIA+ community organisations.

The peak body will work with the State Government and the LGBTQIA+ Community Reference Group to support the development and implementation of WA's first LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Strategy, including co-chairing the Reference Group with Communities.

Earlier this year, the State Government announced $900,000 to develop the strategy, which is being led by the Department of Communities.

The strategy will support a whole-of-government approach to promote inclusion and reduce discrimination for LGBTQIA+ people by identifying priority areas and associated actions to drive long-term systemic change in WA.

Establishing an independent LGBTQIA+ peak body is a key milestone of the strategy's development.

The peak body will work across WA to represent the interests of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Department of Communities will offer a variety of options for people to provide their input and participate in the development of the strategy.

For more information, visit www.wa.gov.au/government/government-initiatives-and-projects/lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer-intersex-and-asexual-plus-lgbtqia-inclusion-strategy

Comments attributed to Youth Minister Hannah Beazley:

"Establishing WA's first LGBTQIA+ peak body is an important step in the Cook Labor Government's commitment to inclusion and equality in WA.

"As the inaugural peak body, Rainbow Futures WA will play an important role in representing and advocating for the interests of LGBTQIA+ people across Western Australia.

"I'm looking forward to working with Rainbow Futures on the development of WA's first LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Strategy with the LGBTQIA+ Reference Group and the broader WA community."

Comments attributed to Community Services Minister Sabine Winton:

"The Cook Government is proud to be investing in the development of Western Australia's first LGBTQIA+ peak body.

"Everyone has the right to live free from discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

"Rainbow Futures WA will play an essential role in ensuring that we continue to build an inclusive society."