Page 984 - Week 03 - Thursday, 10 April 2014
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That the resolution of the Assembly of 19 March 2014 concerning Gugan Gulwan Youth Corporation be amended by omitting the words “last sitting day in April 2014” and substituting “last sitting day in May 2014”.
Members, by way of a brief explanation, you will recall that we passed a motion requiring that I report back to the Assembly by the end of April. Due to the sitting week calendar, this would have meant making a statement today. As work is still progressing with Gugan Gulwan and CSD in identifying appropriate facilities, I am seeking an extension on making this report back. And by allowing this, the Assembly and Gugan Gulwan will both benefit from more alternatives being canvassed and explored and a more comprehensive report provided.
I am receiving weekly updates from CSD and I can assure the Assembly that we are making our best efforts to find a suitable location for Gugan Gulwan. They have been offered a number of places, but so far none of the places they have been offered have been found to be suitable. But I will provide a fuller report before the last sitting day in May should the Assembly support this motion.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Sport—homophobia and transphobia
Discussion of matter of public importance
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mr Gentleman): Madam Speaker has received letters from Ms Berry, Dr Bourke, Mr Doszpot, Mr Gentleman, Ms Lawder, Ms Porter and Mr Smyth proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, the Speaker has determined that the matter proposed by Dr Bourke be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
The importance of combating homophobia and transphobia in sport in the ACT.
DR BOURKE (Ginninderra) (3.49): I have been talking a lot about discrimination and abuse and I am going to keep doing so because discrimination and harassment continue to be issues for many people in different areas of life. Discrimination is to treat someone unfairly because of a particular characteristic or attribute such as their race, sex, age, sexuality or gender identity, or if they have a disability.
In Australia federal, state and territory discrimination laws apply to various areas of public life, including sport, although the extent of coverage varies nationally. The ACT Discrimination Act aims to ensure that we can all participate in areas of public life within the community free from certain forms of discrimination and harassment. Under the legislation, discrimination may be direct—treating someone differently—or indirect—treating everyone the same way, but to some people’s disadvantage.
Victimisation, vilification and harassment are also unlawful under the ACT Discrimination Act 1991. A range of areas of public life are covered by the legislation. In most states and territories, except Victoria, the legislation does not cover the area of sport. However, discrimination is unlawful in some more general areas of activity which may be relevant in a sporting context.
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