15th November 2023 12:44
Victorian Legislative Council, Melbourne
Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:44):
My constituency question is for the Minister for Local Government, Minister Horne. My constituent is a resident of Dandenong. They identify as non-binary and bisexual. My constituent recently signed the Victorian Pride Lobby’s petition calling on the Greater Dandenong Council to establish an LGBTIQA+ advisory group.
My constituent is concerned that Greater Dandenong Council is not following the example of many other Victorian councils and in doing so is failing to recognise the concerns and needs of the LGBTIQA+ community.
In particular my constituent feels that it is important that there are education resources available locally in their own community, so my constituent asks: what steps has the minister taken to support Greater Dandenong Council to establish an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee?
Written Answer
Received: 30 November 2023
Hon. Melissa Horne MP
(Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety)
I thank the Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region for her question.
Section 28 of the Local Government Act 2020 requires that in performing their role, councillors must consider the diversity of interests and needs of the municipal community. It is for each council to decide on the appropriate mechanisms and methods for engaging with its community in accordance with the community engagement provisions and principles of the Act. It would not be appropriate for me to intervene in this matter.
Greater Dandenong City Council noted receipt of the Victorian Pride Lobby’s petition at its council meeting on 13 November 2023. I am advised that the petition has been referred to the relevant council business unit for further action. I would encourage your constituent to contact the council’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Jacqui Weatherill, for further information. Ms Weatherill can be contacted by email at council@cgd.vic.gov.au.
[ENDS]
