LGBTIQ+ Health Australia made this submission in response to consultation on the draft third edition of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.

The submission welcomes the strengthened focus on equity, inclusion and person-centred care, while calling for stronger and more explicit recognition of LGBTIQ+ people, and the impacts of stigma and discrimination within healthcare.

LHA recommends practical measures to translate these commitments into safer and more inclusive care, including partnership with LGBTIQ+ community-controlled and community-led organisations, stronger workforce and consumer engagement requirements, respectful patient identification practices, and improved demographic data collection using the ABS 2020 Standard. These changes would strengthen alignment with the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People 2025–2035 and help health services identify and address inequities in access, experiences and outcomes. 

Read the full submission