14 April 2025 – The political lineup for tomorrow’s Rainbow Votes Election Forum has been revealed with Greens MP Stephen Bates, Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg, Independent MP Allegra Spender and Labor MP Kate Thwaites to discuss the issues that matter most to our community.
Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown said the sold-out event in Sydney would also be livestreamed around the country.
“I encourage everyone to sign up and join us for a few hours on Tuesday night to hear from our political representatives about what they will do for our community,” she said.
A recent report by Equality Australia found about one in five LGBTIQ+ voters are currently undecided with more than a third indicating they intend to change who they vote for in the upcoming election.
LGBTIQ+ policies remain the number one priority for our communities, closely followed by climate issues and cost of living.
“Our votes can’t be taken for granted by the major parties, minors and independents, and LGBTIQ+ voters are highly engaged in the issues that impact our lives and future,” Ms Brown said.
Following community feedback, six priority areas have been identified for discussion during the forum with questions ranging from the implementation of the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People, to hate crimes, trans rights and discrimination in religious schools.
“This forum gives our community the chance to be armed with the information we need to make informed decisions about who will best represent us at the federal level,” Ms Brown said.
Australian Greens LGBTIQA+ spokesperson Stephen Bates MP (Brisbane, Queensland):
“Before being elected I promised myself that if I ever found myself in a public role, I would be open and proud of who I am.
“As the only openly gay MP on the crossbench, I will always champion the LGBTIQA+ community - because we deserve tangible legislation that protects us from discrimination and allows us to be who we are. That includes reforming legal provisions that enable discrimination, appointing a LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner and making gender-affirming care free under Medicare”
Independent Allegra Spender MP (Wentworth, NSW):
“I’m so proud to represent one of the largest LGBTIQ+ communities in the country, and to fight for your rights and your safety. I want Australia to be a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone has a voice.
“We’ve made progress during this parliament on areas like LGBTQ inclusion in the census, but I know there is so much more to be done.
“I’m looking forward to discussing these important issues and continuing to show my support for the LGBTIQ+ community at the Rainbow Votes election forum.”
Labor’s Assistant Minister for Social Security, Ageing and Women the Hon Kate Thwaites MP (Jagajaga, Victoria):
“’No one held back, no one left behind’ is a core principle of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Government.
“This principle has driven the Albanese Labor Government’s work alongside LGBTIQA+ Australians – from the first ever National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People; to significant new national protections and steps to track hate crimes; to support for queer culture like QTopia and Sydney World Pride. Labor is proud to continue to stand for LGBTIQA+ equality.”
