The state budget has included $14.7 million to support and celebrate LGBTIQ+ Victorians, including those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
The investment will support Victoria’s first 10-year LGBTIQ+ strategy, Pride in our Future, which is designed to drive work to change laws and policies, strengthen services and support LGBTIQ+ organisations and events.
About $1.6 million will support a new specialist LGBTIQ+ legal service located in the Victorian Pride Centre, which will provide legal advice and representation for LGBTIQ+ people that is tailored to their own needs.
There will also be $6.8 million in funding over four years will deliver annual statewide events to give all Victorians the chance to celebrate LGBTIQ+ communities.
Equality minister Martin Foley said: “We’ve always said that in Victoria, equality is not negotiable, because every Victorian, without exception, deserves to feel safe, supported and equal.”
“We’re investing in the tailored services LGBTIQ+ Victorians need, and the Victorians we need to deliver them and we’ll keep supporting and celebrating our rainbow communities for generations to come.”