The Crime Prevention Division of the NSW Attorney General's Department works actively with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, particularly through the work of the Anti-Discrimination Board, Victims of Crime Bureau, Community Justice Centres and Criminal Law Review Division.

Latest Issues, Publications & Events
Anti-Homophobia Interagency roundtable series - Bathurst, 27 October 2005
'Learn to Include' children's books launch
Law Reform Commission Focus Groups
Grant recipients announced
Same Sex Domestic Violence - website
Parents, Families & Friends of Gays and Lesbians conference
'Sticks & Stones Regional Tour'

The Anti-Homophobia Interagency's most recent roundtable topic was: How safe is your school for young same sex attracted people, parents or staff? Are homophobic attitudes and behaviours becoming more a part of daily school life? This roundtable conference was held in Bathurst on Thursday 27 October 2005.
The fourth, in a series of Roundtable Conferences convened by the Anti-Homophobia Interagency, was in the words of one attendee "a real eye opener (and) made me think about my life and what I say in class".

A greater than expected number of educators, students and members of the local Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) turned up to hear guest speaker Dr. Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli (Senior Lecturer in Social Diversity in Health and Education, Deakin University, Melbourne). She challenged them to look closely at how the use of language is just one of a number of ways society enforces a position of 'heteronormativity' - a position where heterosexuality is assumed to be normal and anything else must therefore be wrong; and how this position contributes to the harassment and homophobic bullying experienced by same sex attracted students.

With contributions from speakers Kim Proctor (DET) and Liz Hammond (FPA Health) as well as the sharing of personal experiences from a panel of local guest experts, it provided insight into the issues surrounding same sex attraction and also how to address these issues at a local level in schools. As one of the teachers present commented: "(I now recognise the) importance of the use of neutral language and the importance of not turning a blind eye to homophobia".

For details about the discussions at the roundtable, refer to the event nomination form (PDF 39Kb)>> or phone 02 9206 2066 or email: cpd_unit@agd.nsw.gov.au

Two new children's books are being launched as part of the Learn to Include series, that depict same-sex parented families in everyday situations - the focus being on the children and family activities rather than the nature of the parent's relationship, more>>

The NSW Law Reform Commission is conducting focus groups into issues such as how property should be divided if same sex couples break up and how the law views the relationship between parents and their non-biological children. Focus groups will be held in Lismore, Western Sydney and Inner Sydney in late August. To participate in a group, call Francesca from the LRC on 02 9228 7513 or email: nsw_lrc@agd.nsw.gov.au. There is also a questionnaire on the LRC website: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lrc.

Grant recipients have been announced for the Strategic Responses to Violence Grants Program for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender community. The four new projects are:
1. Addressing Homophobia in Education Settings - Roundtables Series 2
2. The Effects of Homophobia in Arabic Speaking Gay Men and Lesbians
3. Early Intervention at Primary School – Preventing Discrimination and Bullying
4. Stage 3 of the Streetwize Communications ‘One of them! One of us!’ project

Same Sex Domestic Violence (SSDV) website was developed as a result of issues identified by the Same Sex Domestic Violence Interagency. Funded by the Crime Prevention Division, the Interagency working group advises on the development, implementation and evaluation of an action plan that addresses same sex domestic violence issues. The SSDV website is hosted by ACON, AIDS Council of NSW Inc., www.ssdv.acon.org.au >>

Parents, Families & Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) conference for the 'Prevention of homophobia in rural communities’ is being held 12-13 June at Rydges Camperdown. The Crime Prevention Division has funded a significant component of this event including a strategic, facilitated half-day workshop for rural and regional PFLAG groups to discuss how to combat homophobia in rural areas and to develop some strategic responses. Details: Keith or Narelle Phipps on 0401 699 298 or www.pflagaustralia.org

The Anti-homophobia Interagency Working Group had another roundtable event, called the 'Sticks & Stones Regional Tour: Creating Safe & Supportive Environments in School', in Lismore on Friday 21 May, during Law Week 2004. The forum was open to all with over 40 people paying the $20 registration fee to attend the event. It was launched by an Information Breakfast for the general public and media to gain an insight about the issues addressed by the roundtable's Working Group.

For further information
Contact the Policy Officer (Gay and Lesbian Liaison) at:
The Crime Prevention Division
GPO Box 6
Sydney NSW 2001
tel: 02 9228 7494
fax: 02 9228 8559
TTY: 02 9228 7676
telephone interpreter service: 131 450
email: cpd_unit@agd.nsw.gov.au