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Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu is
planning to create his government’s first ministerial advisory committee on
gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex health and wellbeing. Health
Minister David Davis will be among senior ministers who will appoint committee
members; these individuals will advise on matters including HIV treatment,
aging, homophobia, and youth suicide.
The government also is weighing the
prospect of rapid HIV testing, Davis revealed. “We are closely looking at what
sort of trial might work,” he said. “We’re aware of some of the international
approaches, and this would be a useful point for the ministerial advisory
committee to give some direct advice on.”
Matt Dixon, executive director of
the Victorian AIDS Council, said he is optimistic about a possible community
trial of rapid HIV testing. “A Melbournian must wait up to two weeks for their
HIV result, while a Londoner or a San Franciscan waits 20 minutes,” he said.
“Australia is lagging behind the rest of the world regarding this.”
While the committee has been widely
welcomed, some members of parliament have complained they were not consulted or
do not understand the reason for the committee.
“I don’t see what used to be known
as ‘poofter bashing’ happening, and I don’t see overt discrimination. It’s
unnecessary,” said one senior MP. “You don’t need a committee for everything.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
