ACON, NSW’s leading health organisation for LGBTQ communities, has welcomed the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ Hate Crimes.
Announced today, the NSW Government has committed to accepting the inquiry’s recommendations in full. The government has also issued an apology to the victims, survivors, loved ones and broader LGBTIQ communities.
The Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ Hate Crimes ran from 2022 to 2023 and investigated unsolved suspected LGBTIQ hate crime deaths in NSW between 1970 and 2010.
The inquiry’s final report released in December 2023 called for new inquests into several cases, as well as a series of recommendations aimed at improving shortcomings in the NSW Police Force’s investigative and record-keeping practices, particularly in relation to unsolved homicides and bias-related crimes. These include reviewing evidence and conducting forensic testing in light of the latest technological advances; conducting a systemic review of all unsolved cases and setting up a framework for regular review and reporting; updating records and databases of hate crimes; and providing adequate resourcing for staff and/or units to deal with bias-related crimes.
In its announcement, the NSW Government said it supports all 19 of the inquiry’s public recommendations.
Implementation of some of these recommendations have already been completed. Action on other recommendations is underway or will be implemented following further planning or technological advances.
Further, the government has committed to working alongside LGBTIQ+ community representatives to establish appropriate independent oversight to ensure relevant agencies are held accountable for the ongoing implementation of recommendations. This includes the NSW Police Force, which has established Taskforce Atlas to oversee implementation of police-related recommendations, as well as an LGBTIQ+ consultative committee which will work alongside Taskforce Atlas to ensure that the recommendations are implemented in a manner responsive to the needs of our communities.
ACON President Dr Justin Koonin said: “We commend the NSW Government for its response to the Special Commission of Inquiry.
“The inquiry, which examined four decades of violence and prejudice against LGBTIQ individuals, uncovered systemic issues that have allowed such injustices to persist. Its findings have highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to ensure that such tragedies and failings are never repeated.
“We thank the NSW Government for committing to implement all of the inquiry’s public recommendation in full.
“We welcome to statement of apology, which recognises the pain, suffering and trauma experienced by victims, survivors, loved ones and broader LGBTIQ communities.
“The release of the Government’s response and apology signals a critical juncture in our ongoing journey towards justice, healing, and equality. We know that true progress from here will require a keen focus on translating the important commitments made today into tangible outcomes for our communities. ACON stands ready to work with the NSW Government and other agencies to fully implement the reforms necessary to protect our communities.”
Dr Koonin said today’s announcement marks another step forward towards justice and healing.
“ACON, along with a range of partners and stakeholders, have been working towards truth and healing for victims and loved ones of historical hate crimes for many years. Across the decades, the attacks committed against sexuality and gender diverse people have left a painful legacy for the loved ones of victims, survivors, their families, and the entire community – all compounded by the slow and inadequate responses to many of these crimes. We will continue to advocate for truth, justice, legislative reform and victim support.
“We thank the Commission and all the stakeholders who, with much courage and fortitude, have worked together to shine a powerful light into the darkness of this era for many people in our communities.”
Dr Koonin also acknowledged the many people and organisations who have worked tirelessly over many years in bringing attention to past fatal violence and facilitating justice to those impacted by these crimes.
“We honour all who continue to persevere in their pursuit for truth and justice, including the many parliamentarians, journalists, academics, activists, legal professionals, community advocates, LGBTQ community members and allies,” Dr Koonin said.
Source: Acon for health
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