The ACT Government has launched the Second Action Plan (2026-28) of the Capital Equality Strategy (2024-29), progressing a significant step for LGBTIQA+ Canberrans; however, Joshua Anlezark, Meridian's CEO, says community-controlled and peer-led groups must have a central role in turning the plan’s promises into real change for LGBTIQA+ Canberrans.
“There is much in the Second Action Plan that Meridian supports, and it reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to LGBTIQA+ communities,” said Meridian CEO Joshua Anlezark. “However, there is still a long way to go. Many of the actions are unsupported by tangible actions, investment or measurable outcomes to make them a reality.”
Development of the plan occurred without engagement and input from LGBTIQA+ community-controlled and peer-led organisations. Cabinet approved the plan despite the limited consultation undertaken during its development, which consisted solely of a community survey, the development of which also did not involve consultation or engagement with community organisations working for and alongside LGBTIQA+ Canberrans.
“The plan focuses on actions the government can do to remove barriers for LGBTIQA+ Canberrans, and I welcome the fact that its commitments cover all ACT Government directorates. But if it is committed to working with the community, the ACT Government must match these intentions with investment in the community-controlled sector,” Mr Anlezark said.
For example, Meridian could play a significant role in delivering the plan’s objectives if it received adequate funding to continue its Service User Reference Group and was resourced to develop community-informed policy and advice to government and expand community-building activities and other opportunities for connection.
"For more than 40 years, Meridian has delivered inclusive programs and services for LGBTQ+ Canberrans. Alongside the wider community-controlled sector, we bring deep expertise and lived experience, and we know what works for our communities. We stand ready to put that to use, whether through government investment that enables us to deliver services directly or through meaningful partnership in developing and implementing these actions.
“This plan is a starting point, but our communities must be actively involved in delivering its commitments. Without genuine community leadership and input, achieving equality will remain out of reach.”
“Many of the actions in the Second Action Plan are carried over from the First Action Plan rather than being new initiatives, and a number of previous ACT Government commitments to the LGBTIQA+ community remain undelivered. Until the government provides clear implementation plans, allocates the necessary resources and engages in genuine collaboration with the LGBTIQA+ community-controlled sector, we remain concerned that the plan’s objectives will not be achieved,” Mr Anlezark said.
Meridian particularly welcomes the government’s investment in A Gender Agenda’s Gender Pathways program, LGBTIQA+ family supports and the scoping of LGBTIQA+-specific domestic, family and sexual violence responses. However, beyond dedicated health funding, the plan does not provide sufficient investment to sustain and strengthen.
LGBTIQA+ community-controlled and peer-led organisations. Without this support, these organisations will continue to face barriers to delivering inclusive, intersectional programs that strengthen wellbeing, connection and visibility across the diversity of LGBTIQA+ communities.
About Meridian
Meridian is Canberra’s largest HIV and LGBTQ+ community-controlled organisation. Our vision is of a future where our communities thrive: healthy and well, free from stigma, empowered by peer connection and supported by a just and inclusive society. We work to end HIV, eliminate health disparities and ensure people living with HIV and LGBTQ+ people have access to services that affirm who they are and meet their needs.
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