Earlier this week, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia CEO, Nicky Bath, attended a roundtable with the Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport; the Hon Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health; and Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, to discuss the government’s new laws restricting access to social media platforms for people under the age of 16.
Recognising that these restrictions could have particular impacts on young LGBTIQ+ people, the government have invited LHA to provide advice to the government on:
- how community organisations are preparing for the change
- what actions or supports are being implemented
- any activities or supports that organisations would like to start or increase, but don’t have the resources for.
These laws come into effect on 10 December 2025, just before the school holidays and Christmas period - a time when many young people already experience heightened isolation.
We are seeking your input to understand how your organisation and the young people you support will respond to these bans, and what additional supports are needed to respond effectively.
You can participate in whichever way suits you best - by completing a short survey, joining a drop-in session, or both. We are offering both options to make it as easy as possible for people to contribute.
Thank you for taking the time to share your perspectives and for your ongoing work to support young LGBTIQ+ people.
Drop-in consultation sessions. Conducted via Zoom.
Session 1
Date: Monday 27 October
Time: 1:00 – 1:45 pm AEDT
Register now.
Session 2
Date: Tuesday 28 October
Time: 2:00 – 2:30 pm AEDT
Register now.
Sessions will provide an opportunity to discuss:
- how your organisation is are preparing for the change
- what actions or supports your organisation is implementing
- and activities or supports your organisation would like to start or expand but don’t have the resources for.
Your feedback will directly inform the brief that LHA provides to government and help ensure that the experiences and expertise of LGBTIQ+ community-controlled organisations are reflected in policy responses and future support measures.
Survey open until 5:00 pm, Tuesday, 28 October 2025.