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Minister for Equality Harriet Shing has announced Joe Ball as Victoria’s third Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities.
A proud transgender man and longstanding LGBTIQA+ advocate, Joe Ball has been announced as Victoria’s third LGBTIQA+ Commissioner this morning.
“It is an immense honour and responsibility to be the next Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities,” Ball said.
“I am here because of those who fought for generations so that LGBTIQA+ people could not only exist but thrive.
“There is a lot of work still to be done. The hard-won achievements of my forbearers, activists and advocates who have come before me need to be protected and built upon.”
Minister for Equality Harriet Shing announced the appointment in a press conference at Parliament Gardens.
“Joe’s appointment to the role of LGBTIQA+ Commissioner will ensure we can continue our nation-leading work to recognise, support and celebrate LGBTIQA+ people and communities across Victoria,” she said.
“I congratulate him on his determination over many years to improve the lives of LGBTIQA+ people.
“Commissioner Ball’s expertise and inclusive advocacy will be enormously important in delivering our Pride in Our Future Equality Strategy, and builds on the legacy of previous Commissioner Todd Fernando.”
A legacy of supporting our communities
“My responsibilities are first and foremost to our communities,” Ball said.
“My promise to the community is that I will listen. I’ll be a strong advocate to the government about the issues that most impact the community.
“I will work very I will work across the Victorian Government to deliver on the Pride in our Future strategy.”
The Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities provides a strong voice for diverse LGBTIQA+ communities across the state.
The Labor Government first appointed Ro Allen a Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities in 2015, followed by Dr Todd Fernando.
The Commissioner works with the Government to implement a roadmap ensuring all Victorians feel safe and have equal rights to live freely.
Ball was previously the CEO of Switchboard and is passionate about working alongside diverse communities to reach meaningful solutions.
He oversaw the creation of landmark programs including Rainbow Door, a dedicated LGBTIQA+ family violence and mental health helpline, along with CHARLEE, an LGBTIQA+ Suicide Prevention Hub.
Current member of the National LGBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing 10-year Action Plan Expert Advisory Group, Ball was honoured as one of 50 Outstanding LGBTI+ Australian Leaders in 2020.
He served as a member of several leading community services committees and boards including Safe and Equal, the 1800 RESPECT community advisory committee, the Victorian LGBTIQA+ Taskforce, the Victorian Family Violence Reform Advisory Group and the National Suicide Prevention Governance Committee.
With decades of experience across mental health, family violence, suicide prevention and disability sectors, Joe will commence in the role of Commissioner on the 23rd of September.
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