1. National Action Plan
The National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People 2025–2035 (National Acton Plan), launched by the government in December 2024, is a roadmap to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
What’s needed: An implementation plan with measurable outcomes.
2. Priority areas
Following are ten urgent priorities for LHA and its member organisations:
2.1 Mental health and suicide prevention
LGBTIQ+ people, especially trans and gender-diverse people, experience high rates of mental distress and suicide.
What’s needed: Targeted funding for the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
2.2 Sexual, domestic and family violence
LGBTIQ+ people face unique forms of sexual, domestic and family abuse and often can’t get needed support.
What’s needed: National coordination and more support services.
2.3 People born with variations of sex characteristics
People born with variations in sex characteristics continue to experience medical procedures without informed consent and cannot get needed care and support.
What’s needed: Ongoing funding for the InterLink psychosocial support program.
2.4 Sexual and reproductive healthcare
Discrimination, lack of education, and service gaps limit access to sexual and reproductive health services for LGBTIQ+ people.
What’s needed: A national forum to understand barriers and develop solutions.
2.5 LGBTIQ+ families
LGBTIQ+ families often face discrimination accessing healthcare and support, especially in regional areas.
What’s needed: Targeted funding to expand services and support.
2.6 Gender affirming care
Trans and gender-diverse people often can’t find or afford gender affirming care and other healthcare.
What’s needed: Changes to Medicare, and funding for community organisations.
2.7 Ageing and aged care
Older LGBTIQ+ people often avoid aged care services due to fear of discrimination.
What’s needed: Continued funding to deliver inclusive aged care and for advocacy.
2.8 LGBTIQ+ people with disability
LGBTIQ+ people with disability often fall through the cracks of both disability and LGBTIQ+ services. They face barriers to employment, services, and support.
What’s needed: National coordination, policy development and new support services.
2.9. Housing and homelessness
LGBTIQ+ people are more likely to be homeless, especially the young and old, often due to family rejection or discrimination.
What’s needed: Funding to improve housing access and support.
2.10 LGBTIQ+ carers
LGBTIQ+ carers are often unrecognised and unsupported. Stigma and discrimination add to their stress.
What’s needed: Targeted support programs.
3 Strengthening the Sector
LGBTIQ+ community-controlled organisations play a vital role. However, most have insecure funding and limited resources. Government needs LHA and its full members to deliver the National Action Plan.
What’s needed: Funding to ensure organisations are sustainable and able to meet growing need.
View the full Election Priorities web page
Authorised by Nicky Bath, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, S2101, L21, 233 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000