Public health leaders praise national plan for LGBTIQA+ wellbeing

Australia’s peak body for public health has welcomed the federal government’s announcement of a 10-year Action Plan to improve the health and wellbeing of Australia’s LGBTIQA+ community.

The National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People, launched on Wednesday last week, outlines ways to improve the care LGBTIQA+ people receive and deliver better mental and physical health outcomes across the community.

Key areas of focus include strengthening preventive health and building health literacy, enhancing accessibility, availability and safety of health care services, and ensuring workforce capability and capacity across both mainstream and services led by LGBTIQA+ people.

The Victorian government will also invest $15.5 million into system-wide improvements that ensure LGBTIQA+ people can access safe, appropriate and stigma-free health and wellbeing care.

“We know that discrimination, stigma, and harassment, both within and outside the health care system, lead to poorer health outcomes for LGBTIQA+ people compared to the wider community,” Public Health Association of Australia chief executive officer Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin said.

“The Action Plan is a welcome step by the government to address these disparities and make safe, inclusive and high-quality health care available to all LGBTIQA+ people.

“We also wish to express our appreciation to everyone who has helped develop this plan, from members of the LGBTIQA+ and health communities across the continent, through to the public servants and minister who will help enact it.”

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) also welcomed the plan’s release, with AMA president Dr Danielle McMullen congratulating members of the LGBTQIA+ health sector for their work on the plan.

“People who are LGBTQIA+ thrive in healthcare environments where they feel safe, affirmed, respected and understood,” she said.

The federal government says the Action Plan was the result of the largest national consultation into LGBTIQA+ wellbeing ever undertaken by any Australian government.

“Every Australian deserves the chance to live their best life, with access to health care that meets their individual needs,” Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said.

“Unfortunately, too many LGBTIQA+ people continue to experience poorer health and mental health outcomes, alongside discrimination, stigma, isolation, harassment and violence.

“Today, the Albanese Government delivers a plan – based on partnership and collective action – to deliver a better tomorrow for LGBTIQA+ communities”

“The plan acknowledges diversity and moves us towards a system that is flexible, person-focused, committed to equity, free of stigma and discrimination.

“Our grants funding will build the capacity of trusted LGBTIQA+ community partners to deliver better services and support.

“As we better equip mainstream services and health professionals to deliver safe, respectful and informed support to LGBTIQA+ people.”

To read the full action plan, head to health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-action-plan-for-the-health-and-wellbeing-of-lgbtiqa-people-2025-2035