24 April 2025 – Equality Australia has released a federal election voting guide reflecting where the parties and some independents stand on the issues that matter most to our communities. 

A side-by-side overview captures the extent to which each party has committed to advancing the rights and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people in Australia across a range of key issues. 

Responses were provided to 21 questions within eight key topic areas, ranging from health and data collection to discrimination protections and support for rainbow families.  

“Many LGBTIQ+ voters told us they unsure about which party or candidate will do the best job of representing them and we have found higher electoral indecision in our community compared to the last federal poll,” said Equality Australia Legal Director Heather Corkhill. 

“Our voting guide indicates where the parties and independents stand on issues that impact us day to day.  

“It also reflects who will fight to advance the rights and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people and best represent our diverse communities should they form part of Australia’s 48th parliament.” 

The questions put to political parties were based on the priorities identified by nearly 5,500 LGBTIQ+ voters who participated in Equality Australia’s Rainbow Votes 2025 survey. 

The report found LGBTIQ+ policies remain the number one priority for our communities closely followed by climate issues and cost of living.  

"LGBTIQ+ people continue to face discrimination and many of us struggle to access appropriate and safe health care when we need it,” Ms Corkhill said. 

“We are also seeing an increase in hate crimes targeting our communities and queer staff and students can still be legally discriminated against in religious schools. 

“Our community has made significant gains over the last decade and most Australians believe we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, but our voting guide clearly shows that more needs to be done before we can live our lives free from discrimination and harm.”   

The full voting guide: https://equalityaustralia.org.au/our-work/rainbow-votes/#voting-guide