Policy Forum Candidate Responses

Over recent days, Rainbow Labor has conducted a survey of all candidates for the NSW Labor Policy Forum about their views on a number of key issues that impact on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community

At the close of voting, Rainbow Labor had received responses from 41 of the 63 candidates.

All but 2 of those who responded said they support marriage equality, one person chose not to answer this question.

In the lead up to the ballot for the Policy Forum, we want to make sure our members and supporters are informed about which candidates support equality.

Take a moment to see what the responses are.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Lenda Oshalem

Branch: - Maroubra

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

No Response

4. In NSW, anti discrimination legislation provides a broad exemption for religious organisations (including schools and community organisations) and small businesses that allows discrimination on the basis of sexuality and gender diversity. Would you support a review of these exemptions with a view to removing or narrowing exemptions for organisations that receive public funding?

As long as they are religious organisations I would not support a review of any exemptions.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

In NSW we have come far in terms of removing discrimation against the LGBTI community. In 2010, the NSW Labor Government passed legislation which created the relationship register, which provides legal recognition for couples regardless of their sex. We can always do more in this area with the community. My interest would be to hear what our members want and to progress their ideas within a policy context. I think the most important aspect of engaging members is exactly that - to engage. My commitment is to represent the views of all rank-and-file members on the NSW Policy Forum.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Linda Scott

Branch: - Erskineville

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I have spelt out my position on this issue clearly on Rainbow Labor's brilliant Three Questions website. I am, and have been more many years, a strong supporter of marriage equality.

Yes, I believe that discrimination in all forms is unacceptable and would strongly support a review of these laws with a view to narrowing these exemptions. Additionally, I have worked hard as Co-Convenor of Labor for Refugees to ensure complex LGBTI issues relating to discrimination are better handled in the refugee determination process.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

If elected, I would push for the Forum to engage with a broad range of community groups from the LGBTI community, using the personal contacts I have with many from when I ran as ALP candidate for Sydney in 2007. I am also committed to ensuring such groups receive proper feedback on their policy ideas, so that they are encouraged to continue the conversation with the Party.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Baden Kirgan

Branch: - Panania

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I strongly support marriage equality and believe that the state should support the right of all its citizens to marry.

I support exemptions for religious organisations where they affect the conduct of religious services or the selection of people for religious orders. I do not support any discrimination in any commercial enterprise or school regardless of size, management or source of funding, however I do support the right of religious schools to give preference to people from within their own faith.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Encouraging members of the LGBTI community to become active and proud members of the ALP is the best way for the party to engage with the community.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Hugh McDermott

Branch: - Central Policy Branch

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

This debate frustrates me. I do not see why this has become such an issue and that we are even arguing about it. Marriage should be a right for all Australians regardless of sexual orientation. To discriminate against one section of our society is appalling.

Yes

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

I believe the Forum needs to reflect the views of the ALP membership and especially seek their input on issues that directly effects them. In regards to the LGBTI community, key issues such as strategies to fight discrimination and increase equality can only be developed by regular dialogue and the creation of effective, LGBTI community supported policies.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Sue Kealy

Branch: - Ourimbah - Narara Valley

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

the key for me is CHOICE. My partner and I CHOOSE not to get married, that is our thing.

review - definitely. As the world is constantly changing, these types of things should be reviewed regularly as a matter of course!

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Start by endorsing equality in marriage, and working to remove any other remnant legislation of a bygone era. If there isn't decent representation of the LGBTI community in the group, invite some members of that community to talk to the forum, and members of the forum to talk to groups of the LGBTI community. ALso, not just talk, but listen and act on things that are said.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Kirk McKenzie

Branch: - North Sydney

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

There is still a doubt about whether the High Court will allow gay marriage but the Court should be put to the test.

Yes. (I am a member of the NSW Law Society's Human Rights Committee which supported the gay adoption legislation last year)

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Supportive Branch representatives to the Forum will be able to raise such matters within the Forum and in doing so, deal directly with the (Shadow) Cabinet, who of course are the people capable of doing something in the State Parliament.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Luke Whitington

Branch: - Macquarie

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I am not married myself, and I support the choice to not get married, as well as supporting equal marriage rights, regardless of the gender of those concerned.

Yes.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

I'd say begin by consulting the LGBTI community through Rainbow Labor and its members!

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Leanne Atkinson

Branch: - Bega

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I fully support marriage equality.

Yes, I support a review

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

The Policy Forum should actively consult the LGBTI community and other relevant organisations with respect to any policy considerations that may affect them. Any group that may be impacted by proposed policies has a result to be consulted as part of the policy development process

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Pat Miller

Branch: - Murwillumbah

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

It has to happen - it's a basic human rights issue. That our own government is so pissweak about it is appalling.

Yes.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Well, with a bit of luck I'll be on the policy forum. Former member of Rainbow Labor in Queensland. Out and proud gay man who's still fighting for equality in social conventions as well as the law.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Lachlan Drummond

Branch: - Randwick North

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I have long been an active supporter of marriage equality. I was responsible for a motion at the November 2008 NSW Young Labor conference that changed NSWYL's policy on marriage equality from "Support in Principle" to "Support". The motion was passed unanimously (I believe this was the first time NSWYL unambiguously supported marriage equality). For me it's a basic question of social equality. Labor should be proud of our record up to this point in removing discrimination, but the job is only half done. It makes no sense to me that we should support equality to some extent, but not all the way.

I would fully support such a review. My own view is that no school or community organisation should ever be exempt from anti-discrimination legislation with regards to sexuality and gender diversity.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

There's a perception out there, often true, that Labor isn't interested in even debating LGBTI issues. The last NSW conference was a notorious example. The policy forum has to be different. Two things we need to do are: 1. Be proactive - As a first step, invite community groups and stakeholders to make detailed submissions and presentations to the committee on LGBTI issues that state governments can address. This would not just be useful for members of the committee, it would provide a useful forum for the parliamentary wing to be fully across all the issues and the debates. 2. Be open and transparant with the public - We need to publicly demonstrate that we are considering the issues in depth (this applies to all policy areas, not just LGBTI issues). I think this could be done by the policy forum running "community cabinet" style events in local communities to publicly demonstrate how we are giving consideration to the issues - and to invite the public to participate as well. If we provide the public with an opportunity to help shape Labor policy, I believe they will respond.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Amanda Rose

Branch: - Dulwich Hill

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I am a strong supporter of marriage equality, and look forward to it passing at National Conference in December and becoming part of the platform. In addition to marriage, the recent Federal Government decision to allow an intersex/transgender option on passports shows Labor can lead the way in dismantling discrimination in other LGBTI and gender diversity areas.

Yes.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

The official objectives of the Forum include facilitating debate and "Includ[ing]" Party Units, Party members and Affiliates in the debate on the direction of the Party." Clearly then Rainbow Labor should be included not as an afterthought or courtesy but as a matter of course in all proceedings. As the Forum is a bit of an experiment, exactly how it will work is still unclear but whoever is elected as rank and file representative should be treating it as an opportunity to involve all those wings of the party which have traditionally been left out of the formal goings on, the rank and file in general and policy advocacy groups like Rainbow Labor (and Labor for Refugees, LEAN etc).

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Michelle Miran

Branch: - Jervis Bay St Georges Basin

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

The ALp under Dunstan and Wran decriminalised Homosexuality which changed the lives of thousands of Australians. The current neo conservative position is outrageous, regressive and not in keeping with Labor social justice and equity values. Everty human being has a right to confirm their commitment through legal binding processes.

Absolutely, this is the 21st century. It seems to me that some people in our party define equality to suit themselves.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

It is time to embrace and acknowledge real diversity through consultation. Openly acknowledge our support by fighting for change in legislation at all levels.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Marcus Mariani

Branch: - Cardiff / Elermore Vale

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

If the Tories in the UK can support gay marriage then the NSW ALP sure can.

Yes.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Forum members should consult with leading representatives of the LGBTI community and relevent organisations on relevant issues during policy development phases as the input of the LGBTI community is essential if the policy is to effectively address real issues; issues which the LGBTI community are most aware of.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Julia Finn

Branch: - Harris Park

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

Gender of participants isn't the determining factor in whether a relationship is exclusive, for life and worth celebrating and recording legally

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

I think the Labor platform should be developed by members of the ALP. If members of the LGBTI are Labor supporters and want to influence Labor policy, they should join the ALP

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Carol Berry

Branch: - Thirroul

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I am a strong believer that any two adults who love one another and want to enter into the commitment of marriage should be supported to do so. I am a strong supporter of equal marriage rights and relationship recognition.

Yes.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

The NSW Policy Forum should be abreast of all progressive community movements and in direct and regular contact with them to enable leadership by the party on progressive law reform.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Mathew Ferguson

Branch: - Parramatta

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

The debate on marriage eqaulity has come to an end, the community wants us to support all marriages regardless of whether they are gay or straight. If the ALP were truly in touch with its members they would understand that this is a policy that we all want.

I will be advocating for the removal of any legislative framework that enable organisations receiving public funds to discriminate based on gender or sexuality. Discrimination based on gender or sexuality is simply not ok.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

As a gay man i will work with members of the Policy Forum to highlight that the LGBTI community is a diverse community with different needs. Members of the Forum must ensure that they engage the LGBTI community across the state and not simply a pre-conceived notion of the LGBTI community. A key focus for the Forum should be equality and fairness, two core Labor values. The Forum and the Party need to work with organisations that support the LGBTI community to make sure we get policy that effects members right.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - David Armstrong

Branch: - Ku-ring-gai

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

People should be able to choose how they live there own lives.

Yes... I think all people should have there own freedom

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

We should be able to discuss issues that are important for all members. If we want to be a party for the people we must be able to take other peoples views and ideas.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Trevor Drake

Branch: - hardy's Bay

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

No Response

Yes.any Non Government Organisation receiving public funding should not be exempt from meeting community standards.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

advertising and receiving submissions from the LGBTI community to be discussed and given proper consideration at policy forum meetings and further investigation including meeting members of this community on proposals that are worthy of becoming policy.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - James Marshall

Branch: - Newcastle

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

The choice of who you wish to marry is a basic human right that should be available to all.

I wouls support a review, any organisation using public monies should be required to justify any exemption from the law.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

The Forum, in particular its rank and file members, should be available to advocate and support policy ideas put forward by the Party rank and file and from ALP supporters in the community, including LGBTI members and organisations. The Forum should reflect its community, and be open to developing good policy that incorporates the principles of fairness and equality that we all believe in.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Ross Smith

Branch: - Redfern

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

The ability to enter into marriage should be available to all. The imposition of arbitrary restrictions on an individual's ability to enter marriage is an absolute denial of Social Inclusion, Social Justice, and Freedom of Choice.

Yes. Access to publically funded services should be a universal right for any member of the public

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

1. The NSW Labor Policy Forum should seek Policy input and views from all sectors of the Community without fear or favour in an open and transparent manner. 2. The NSW Labor Policy Forum should receive Policy input and views from all sectors of the Community and should treat all such input in an open, transparent and equitable manner 3. The NSW Labor Policy Forum should treat all policy input in a fair and equitable manner regardless of the source of any such input. 4. The NSW Labor Policy Forum should seek to engage with all sectors of the Community in an open and transparent manner. 5. The NSW Labor Policy Forum should take active steps to remove any barriers, perceived or otherwise, to the ability of any individual or group to take part in the development of Labor platform and policies in NSW

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Alison McLaren

Branch: - Blaxland Glenbrook

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

The amendment to the Marriage Act to permit same-sex couples to marry is long overdue. This is an issue of equality and one that I strongly support.

Yes. I do not think that any organisation should receive public funding if they discriminate on any grounds that would normally be covered by the Anti Discrimination Act. I do not support the exemptions and I am opposed to public funding of organisations that use these exemptions.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Rainbow Labor should be regularly consulted by the Policy Forum and members of the LGBTI community should be actively encouraged to contact members of the Forum. I would support regular meetings between Rainbow Labor and the Policy Forum.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Huw Phillips

Branch: - Glebe

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I'm a strong supporter of the campaign for marriage equality. I would like to see National Conference resolve to amend the Party Platform to support the legal right of all adult couples in Australia to have the choice to be married regarless of their gender or sexual orientation and that this marriage should be legally recognised by the state.

A difficult issue for our community but I would support a review into this policy field. I don't believe that public funding should be provided to organisations that promote social exclusion or intolerance in any form. Any review would need to include the relevant stakeholders in discussions with the view to promoting understanding and social inclusion so that each and every individual has the capacity to achieve their potential and live in a society free from discrimination and prejudice.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Our Party needs to engage with the community and community organisations when we make our policy. This needs to be in a dialogue which makes equality, social justice, human rights and a fair go the cornerstones of each Labor policy. The Policy Forum provides the chance to engage a variety of people and organisations and if elected I would extend the invitation to members of the LGBTI community, relevant organisations, and Rainbow Labor to be an important part of the policy-making process.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Wendy Waller

Branch: - Green Valley

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

No Response

No because they receive public funding

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

No Response

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Barney Langford

Branch: - Charlestown

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

The distinction between man and woman and "other" relationships with regard to marriage is intellectually dishonest and discriminatory

Yes!

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Organise forums. Use social media. Talk to people. Speak up. Place these issues on the policy agenda.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Nur alislam Joarder

Branch: - Rooty Hill, NSW

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

No - I believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

In certain circumstances it could be allowed

I support to review

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

I believe need to develop education program that can be educated how we all Australian live together with speech full society

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - James Brann

Branch: - Bathurst

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I find it incredible that we still don't have equal marriage rights in Australia. Further still, I believe that by not doing something about equal marriage we perpetuate a negative message to the young LGBTI community across NSW. I'm from country NSW and believe that it's incredible tough to be a LGB or TI in smaller communities.They are often stereotyped and vilified. Harassment in this form leads to other problems such as social exclusion and mental health issues. Having everyone seen as equals regardless of gender or sexuality is the first step in making sure the youth in regional and remote areas are not discriminated against.

I firmly believe in the removal of any exemptions that allow for any form of discriminatory practices to take place, that includes schools which feel they have the right to employ or not employ individuals based on their sexual orientation or sexual practices.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Awareness - especially in rural and remote areas of NSW. While (fingers crossed) the Australian Labor Party's view on equal marriage will inevitably change and hopefully put into law, there still needs to be more awareness of the issues facing the LGBTI community. We need to remove discriminatory acts (in all it's forms and institutions) and educate communities so they are not only more informed, but more aware of the need to be more accepting.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - George Barcha

Branch: - Smithfield

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

No Response

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

Discrimination is a very important issue and people should no be discriminated against due to any reasons. people should be free to act and practice according to their beliefs, and their free well.

Different private organisations have their own law and constitutions it would be very hard for the Government to differentiate in the funding of such organisations due to such constitutions. These organisations have their rules and regulations about the eligibility of being a member or part off as the rules to enter any RSL club, church, Temple, mosque, and Synagogue, and I will say that some of the clubs and organisation that runs under the LGBTI community have also their rules and regulation of entry for example, I think maybe it should be funding and grants for schools and clubs that run by the LGBTI community in the same principles that funding and grants been granted to other communities.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

The LGBTI community have the wrights to be treated as any other community, and if I get elected to the NSW Labor Policy forum it is my duty to deliver their concerns and issues to the Policy Forum and try to lobby committee members to get these issues get acted upon. These people voice should be heard and their questions should be answered. As I said in my campaign heading I am the voice of western Sydney and I lived their concerns and their issues and for a fact there is a high number of the LGBTI community that been brought up in Western Sydney and some that I am a good friend with, and their concerns have been long neglected and they ended up moving from our area (western Sydney area) due to the discrimination they face on a daily basis, these people should be able to live in any part of Australia with no abuse and discrimination against them and I will try to achieve that if elected .

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Darcy Byrne

Branch: - Rozelle-Lilyfield

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

Across Australia Labor people are standing up for marriage equality. At the National Conference in December it is time for Labor take the lead in fighting to end discrimination against GLTBI Australians.

Definitely. The Federal Government acted to ammend more than 80 piece's of discriminatory legislation. It is time for NSW Labor to take a stand against any form of discrimination being practised in schools, NGO's and workplaces.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Rank-and-file members of Policy Forum wil have a responsibility to take control of Labor's policy agenda away from the powerbrokers and return it to our members and supporters. That includes working in partnership with actvists in the LGBTI community and relevant organisations to develop progressive policies we can campaign and win on.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Don McAllister

Branch: - Pottsville & District

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

Sexual preference is nobody else's business but yours.

Yes.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Consult & stay abreast of the issues as they arise.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Peter Lanyon

Branch: - Lismore

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

No Response

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

No Response

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Edmond Atalla

Branch: - Rooty Hill

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

No - I believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

The issue of Same Sex Marriage is a matter of personal choice and should be decided by a vote of the general population

No. You can not impose a particular view in the name of discrimination on those that do not share that same view. For example, a Catholic School does not teach the Islamic Relegion and vise versa. Do we then impose the teaching and acceptance of one relegion on the other in the name of discrimination?Every one should just respect each others relegion, sexual preference, political view without imposing a particular view point on others that do not share that same beleif.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

They are already engaged, the fact that I am completing this survey is proof.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Michael Chapman

Branch: - Manly

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I'm not about to die in a ditch for LGBTI to gain the right to marriage. I personally cannot see the wider social significance of marriage.

I would accept a review narrowing the exemptions. I expect that some exemptions may be justified for some particular organisations.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

I see the need for engagement the other way around, that the LGBTI community need to define how they see their relationships working within the wider community.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Kathryn Landsberry

Branch: - Kogarah Carlton

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

Bring it on.

Yes I definitely support a review of these exemptions, as anti discrimination legislation should exist to protect all NSW citizens, at all times, regardless of their gender identity or sexuality, and should not be selectively applied by organisations that generally support their communities, such as schools and religious organisations.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

I want to see the Forum actively engaging with these groups for their input and perspective when developing policy, as openness and inclusion will restore Labor as the socially progressive Party it ought to be.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Cassandra Coleman

Branch: - Lithgow

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

Not at this time, thank you for asking.

I would be interested in the result of the review and then make a educated decision.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

The Labor Policy Forum can engage the LGBTI community by listening to them.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Romola Hollywood

Branch: - Mid Mountains

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I support marriage equality. Same-sex couples who want to make the legal and public commitment of marriage should be able to do so. Many jurisdictions overseas have already adopted equal marriage, enabling couples, regardless of sexuality, to benefit from the well-understood legal arrangement of marriage.

I would support a review of the current exemptions under the anti-discrimination legislation. This would need to include a comprehensive analysis of the scope and impacts of the current legislation. It would also need to involve consultation with both ALP party members and the broader community (see also below).

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Good policy is built on effective consultation with the people who have direct experience of the issues as well as consultation with the organisations that represent them. It is important that the NSW Labor Policy Forum consults with a wide range people in its policy development. This should include meeting with members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations to find out what policy changes would make a difference for them.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Darriea Turley

Branch: - Broken Hill

2. Do you support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I'm disappointed in the Labor Party that this has not been progressed.

Yes.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

The NSW Labor Policy Forum need to make a clear position in support same sex marriages and other issues. I believe that a Forum- not only in Sydney but in rural communities will be a kick start to this process.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Jodie Harrison

Branch: - Adamstown

2. Do you support support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

Every adult should be able to marry a person they love, regardless of gender.

Yes.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Invite relevant organisations, including Rainbow Labor, to address Policy Forum.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Sarah Shrubb

Branch: - Katoomba

2. Do you support support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

No Response

Absolutely.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

Sit down in a room, face to face, and listen to anyone from these communities and groups who wants to talk to us, and talk with them.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Marilyn Eade

Branch: - Mayfield Branch in Newcastle

2. Do you support support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

No Response

Yes I would support a review

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

My hope is that the Policy Forum will be engaging with many groups including the LGBTI community in the development of all policy! We must ensure that this does happen. Last month the Mayfield branch of which I am the secretary held an open branch meeting on some local issues. Sure beats the focus group approach!

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - David Hetherington

Branch: - Erskineville

2. Do you support support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I believe that same-sex marriage is a natural Labor cause in the tradition of recognition of indigenous Australians and women's rights. It's based on the simple principle of recognition of equal rights.

Yes, I would support such a review.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

It should have dedicated representatives liaising regularly with the LGBTI community to define the community's priority issues and integrate these in a modern Labor program.

1. Please provide your name, branch and email address.

Name: - Byron Danby

Branch: - Enfield South

2. Do you support support equal marriage rights for all Australians?

Yes - I believe that all adult couples should be able to marry if they so choose

3. Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to the issue of equal marriage?

I believe there should be a much clearer delineation between church and state and the government should probably not be in the marriage business in the first place. Equally it is cruel and unjust to deny legal equality to same sex couples and the message this sends to the community is both negative and ironically not a reflection of public sentiment. Most Australians just want to live and let live. I remember sitting in on a meeting with Tanya Plibersek many years ago now and listening to her talking with Rainbow Labor and other LGBTI community organisations about how a federal Labor government would remove 50 or so pieces of legislation that discriminated against the LGBTI community. We did and I was proud to be Labor that day. I believe that through the good work of Rainbow Labor the parties’ position will soon be changed for the better at the upcoming National conference.

While people should be free to practice their religion without interference when public money is involved this very much muddies the waters. In the case of schools particularly poorer catholic and other religious schools, it seems unfair to punish students who have little or no choice in the school their parents enrol them in. That said there should be an extremely narrow and specific set of circumstances in which such an act could be tolerated and I would support ongoing monitoring of these laws and or a review. In terms of community organisations and small business there should be no exemption from discrimination legislation.

5. What do you believe the NSW Labor Policy Forum can do to engage members of the LGBTI community and relevant organisations in the development of the Labor platform and policies in NSW?

The NSW Policy forum can engage with the LGBTI community by doing what it should do for everyone. Be honest and accountable, open and transparent. We can help and ensure this by electing those who are motivated by policy outcomes, not personal glory. That is why I am running with other people as part of ‘A Positive Agenda’ and will be encouraging people who support us to also vote for other candidates that we know are running for the right reasons.