Tasmania’s LGBTIQA+ advocates have welcomed the state’s first whole-of-government strategy, saying it will help address persistently high rates of discrimination and mental health issues.
Equality Tasmania spokesperson Rodney Croome said the “landmark” strategy was the result of decades of advocacy.
“The strategy will help focus the attention of all government agencies on the continued disadvantages LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians face because of ongoing prejudice, discrimination and stigma,” he said.
‘Our Inclusive Island: Tasmania’s LGBTIQA+ Strategy 2025–2030’ was launched on Wednesday, outlining how “essential” it is that the “underlying drivers” of issues facing LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians be addressed.
Working It Out CEO Olivia Hogarth said evidence-based action was essential.
“Research continues to indicate poorer outcomes for LGBTIQA+ people in a variety of metrics including mental health and suicidality, housing, social supports and safety and general life satisfaction,” she said.
The strategy identifies six priority areas: mental healthcare, physical healthcare, schools and education, workplaces, policing and safety.
About one in 20 Tasmanians over 16 identify as LGBTIQA+, increasing to one in 10 among those aged 16–24.
Community and Multicultural Affairs Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the strategy brought all government agencies into a coordinated framework.
“Achieving meaningful change requires coordinated action,” she said.
The strategy draws on a 2021 survey of 825 LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians, which found many still faced barriers to wellbeing despite the state’s progressive legal reforms.
Tasmania was the last Australian state to decriminalise homosexuality in 1997 but now has some of the country’s strongest LGBTIQA+ protections.
A detailed five-year action plan will be released in 2026.
