NSW Government Apologises For Historic LGBTIQ Hate Crimes

NSW Government Apologises For Historic LGBTIQ Hate Crimes
Image: Some of the victims of gay hate crimes in Sydney between 1970 and 2010. (Clockwise from left) Gilles Mattaini, John Russell, Ross Warren, Scott Johnson, Raymond Keam and Cyril Olsen.聽

The NSW Government has apologised to the LGBTIQ+ New South Wales‘ people for historic hate crimes against members of the community, and accepted all 19 recommendations that have been delivered by the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ Hate Crimes.

The inquiry found that the NSW Government failed to adequately respond between 1970 and 2010.

The inquiry, led by commissioner John Sackar, made 19 recommendations that was delivered this morning (19 September).

The NSW Government has agreed to implement all 19 of the recommendations made by the inquiry.

In a statement delivered this morning, the state government made an apology to the victims, survivors, and their families and loved ones, acknowledging that the actions of the then-governments were unacceptable.

鈥淔or this, we apologise unreservedly to victims, survivors, loved ones, and LGBTIQ+ communities,鈥 the statement reads.

鈥淲e acknowledge that in some instances NSW law enforcement and justice agencies have failed to adequately identify, investigate, and prosecute violent crimes that were, or may have been, motivated by bias based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and for that we are deeply sorry.

鈥淭here has been a tragic history of homophobic and transphobic hate, and sadly the need for such an inquiry.鈥

has been established by the government to implement the 19 recommendations, which will work with a LGBTIQ+ consultative committee.

Politicians and advocates’ statements on LGBTIQ Hate Crimes Commission

17c起草社区I politicians and advocates have spoken out this morning about the report, and about the NSW Government accepting all 19 recommendations from the LGBTIQ+ Hate Crimes special commission.

Penny Sharpe, the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, thanked the Special Commission team for their “exhaustive” investigation.

鈥淚 want to again thank Commissioner Sackar, the Special Commission team, and everyone who contributed to this exhaustive investigation to re-examine a dark passage in the history of our state,” said Sharpe.

鈥淭his Inquiry, the events that have led to it and those that will follow, will be remembered as a crucial step in coming to terms with the role that the NSW Government played in these many tragedies.

鈥淚n previous decades, NSW Government institutions set a standard that not only stood by inequality and injustice, but fostered, and at times participated in it.

鈥淲e fundamentally failed the victims of these hate crimes and their families, and we can never let that occur again.

鈥淭he dedicated and comprehensive work of the whole Inquiry team stands on the shoulders of the efforts of many members of LGBTIQ+ communities, as well as the families and friends of victims 鈥 for that we say thank you.鈥

Independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich said the acceptance of all recommendations is a long overdue win for justice.

鈥淎pologies are welcome, but urgent action is now needed. Just like everyone else, 17c起草社区 people deserve to feel safe in NSW, but sadly many don鈥檛,” said Greenwich.

鈥淎long with a number of 17c起草社区 community organisations, I will be working with the NSW Police to help them improve their practices and approach to our community.

鈥淚鈥檓 grateful to the many families of those murdered who campaigned for justice and reform. Today will be a day of mixed emotions for them, nothing can bring their loved ones, and we must make sure this neglect of 17c起草社区 safety never happens again.鈥

鈥淭he Inquiry report made for deeply difficult reading; a difficulty dwarfed by the lived experiences shared by so many,” said Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley.

鈥淭oday is an important milestone in a long journey for victims, victim-survivors, advocates and allies who have suffered from these crimes.

鈥淲e can鈥檛 change what has happened in the past, but we can and will do everything in our power to learn, evolve and prevent history from repeating itself.

鈥淭he Government response is another step in the pursuit of justice and the Government and NSW Police Force are actively working to implement report鈥檚 recommendations in partnership with the LGBTIQ+ community.鈥

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