Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled his federal cabinet this week but has disappointed LGBTIQA+ advocates by failing to appoint a Minister for Equality.
The members of Albanese’s first full federal cabinet as Prime Minister were sworn in on Wednesday.
Federal Labor had an Equality Spokesperson for three years prior to the 2019 election. However Albanese dumped the role after Labor’s loss that year.
Just.Equal Australia spokesperson Sally Goldner said the group was now urging Anthony Albanese to reverse that decision.
“A federal Equality Minister would ensure a voice for the LGBTIQA+ community at the centre of government,” she said.
“It would also show LGBTIQA+ Australians that we’re valued citizens again, after many years of our rights being eroded and undermined.”
Anthony Albanese wants equality ’embedded in all roles’
After axing the shadow portfolio in 2019, Albanese explained all portfolio holders should consider the needs of queer communities.
He told OUTinPerth at the time equality needed to be embedded in all roles.
“What we don’t do is marginalise that in terms of one person, whose is not a senior person. That’s my job. It’s Penny Wong’s job, it’s Richard Marles’ job,” he said.
“It’s the Labor Party’s job, and that’s why I think in terms of substance as well, I want part of what the Health spokesperson has to do is look at equality.
“Not just on the basis of sexuality or gender identity, but across the board.
“I want them to ask, is that happening? Is it happening in education? Is it happening in migration?”
But Sally Goldner said while the PM argued there’s no need for an Equality Minister, similar cabinet positions represent a range of marginalised groups.
“Clearly Mr Albanese doesn’t really believe that because he has appointed ministers responsible for Indigenous Australians, women, youth, multi-cultural communities and veterans,” she said.
After the May 21 election, Labor this week secured majority government with at least 77 House of Representatives seats.
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