The NSW Government has announced it will establish an inquiry into gay hate and transgender hate crimes. The announcement follows the recommendations of a report by the Legislative Council’s Standing Committee on Social Issues tabled in May this year.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said, “These crimes represent one of the darkest times in our recent history. They were callous, brutal and cowardly. As I said in Parliament recently, ‘LGBTI members of our community have suffered grave injustices that were not acceptable in the past and they are not acceptable now. Where there is still work to be done to address these injustices, we will do it.’ This is the first step to address them.”
Special Minister of State Don Harwin said, “Justice for the victims, their families and friends has been slow. Many still carry with them the physical and emotional scars of these vile attacks. The inquiry recommended by the Committee will help to bring some closure for the families and healing to the thousands of others, including myself, who experienced the threat of violence or an actual assault. It’s a simple matter of justice.”
The Legislative Council’s Standing Committee on Social Issues ‘Inquiry into Gay Hate and Transgender Hate Crimes Between 1970 and 2010’ began in 2018. Their report has three Findings and five Recommendations and all have been supported by the Government. A copy of that report can be found on the .
Chair of the Legislative Council Inquiry Shayne Mallard said, “The long road to this moment is a tribute to Kay Warren and those who lost loved ones. Kay’s son Ross disappeared at Mark’s Park in 1989 and she never gave up the fight for justice. Those responsible for these crimes are now middle aged and many remain unpunished. This inquiry is the right way to address the concerns of the community and hopefully bring some of the offenders to justice. My great thanks to all those who supported and helped our Inquiry and to my colleagues.”
Details of the inquiry and terms of reference will be announced shortly.
