Greens spokesperson for Sexuality and Gender Diversity Hon Alison Xamon MLC will today introduce legislation to amend the the Equal Opportunities Act 1984 (WA) prevent private religious schools from legally discriminating against employees, students and their families on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Ms Xamon said repealing the discriminatory section of the Act, Section 73, is a natural progression after the recent passage of marriage equality legislation, coupled with progress towards expunging historical homosexual convictions.
Greens spokesperson for Child Protection Hon Alison Xamon MLC has today urged the State Government to ensure processes are easily accessible, prompt and transparent, following the Premier’s commitment to signing up to the Commonwealth Redress Scheme and formal apology to WA survivors of child sexual abuse.
Ms Xamon said while she was pleased Western Australia had led the way by issuing a formal apology, it was crucial that the mistakes made in the operation of the WA Redress Scheme were not repeated.
The Government has not allocated any money for additional forensic mental health beds, nor does it have a plan to meet the desperate need for more, Greens spokesperson for Mental Health Hon Alison Xamon MLC today revealed through Estimates questions today.
Ms Xamon said the Western Australian Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan 2015-25 identified that, in 2014, the number of forensic inpatient beds was less than half what it should be in order to meet demand.
She said the plan identifies a need for 92 beds by 2025.
The Government must ensure it pays close attention to the issue of older adult mental health and suicide prevention, Greens spokesperson for Seniors and Ageing Hon Alison Xamon MLC has said today, on UN World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Ms Xamon said anecdotal evidence had shown that some older Australians were dying by suicide because they were being subjected to abuse and neglect - or felt they could no longer live with pressure from their families.
Greens spokesperson for Industrial Relations and Worker Safety Hon Alison Xamon MLC has today welcomed the passing of updated workers’ compensation legislation, but says more must be done to eliminate workplace deaths.
Ms Xamon said while she was pleased to see increases in financial support for the families of WA workers killed on the job, a long overdue reform, a suite of further measures were still needed to improve safety at work, including industrial manslaughter laws.