Academics appointed to inaugural NSW LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council

The appointed University of Sydney academics include:

Associate Professor Morgan Carpenter (he/him) Associate Professor in Bioethics at Sydney Health Ethics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, renowned for his leadership in human rights and research on the bioethical issues affecting individuals with innate variations of sex characteristics (intersex variations/differences of sex development).

"I congratulate the NSW government on fulfilling its election commitment. I’m honoured to be appointed, and I look forward to contributing to the Council. It represents a crucial and long-awaited opportunity to address the health and wellbeing of people with innate variations of sex characteristics in NSW."

Dr Chris Pepin-Neff (they/them), Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and Associate Dean of Student Affairs in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Their research looks at highly emotional issues, LGBTIQA+ rights, inequality and agenda setting. Dr Pepin-Neff's forthcoming book Tolerable Inequality: Understanding Public Policy and LGBTQ+ Politics will come out in January 2025.

"The establishment of the inaugural NSW LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council is a win for queer, trans, and gender-diverse communities in NSW. I am grateful for the opportunity to listen to people from all corners of NSW and amplify their messages back to the Premier and Parliament as a member of the Council. This is a tremendous honour, that is added to by the amazing people who I'll get to work with, including my incredible colleague Dr Victoria Rawlings."

Dr Victoria Rawlings (she/her), Senior Lecturer in Education, whose work focuses on gender, sexuality, and schooling. She is currently working on projects funded by the Australian Research Council and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, both of which aim to make schools safer, more inclusive, and receptive to gender and sexuality diversity. Using co-researcher methodologies, Dr Rawlings works in partnership with teachers, students, and school leaders to drive meaningful change in their communities. She also creates curriculum-based strategies that aim to build critical thinking, care, and connection between students.

"I feel incredibly privileged and thankful that I live in a time where a Council like this one is being established. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the Council members to represent our LGBTIQ+ friends, families, and communities as we move towards greater equality in NSW and beyond. A particular thank you to the NSW Premier and Parliament for establishing this crucial pathway for discussion and advice. There is much work to be done, and I’m thrilled to play a role in it."

The Council’s establishment reflects a milestone for LGBTIQ+ communities in NSW, marking an important step toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society. The 16-member Council brings together individuals with diverse expertise and dedication to advocating for LGBTIQ+ communities. Members were selected based on their experiences, expertise and dedication to advocating for LGBTIQ+ communities and will serve a two-year term.

The Minns Labor Government’s creation of the LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council is part of its ongoing work to ensure all members of the community feel valued and respected. The council’s first task will be the development of the state’s first LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy.

Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, Penny Sharpe said:

“Establishing the LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council is another step forward for LGBTIQ+ people in our state who deserve to be visible and heard. It will drive a more inclusive and equitable NSW. The council is testament to our Government’s commitment to ensuring that every person in NSW can live a life free from discrimination and prejudice. The diversity of expertise and experiences being brought together in this council is exceptional.”

Co-Chair of the Council Robyn Kennedy, a 78er (she participated in the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and subsequent protests in 1978) and is highly regarded in the community for her decades of service to advancing equality and inclusion said:

“As a lesbian and 78er, I am honoured to serve as Co-Chair of this Council. Our work will focus on ensuring that all LGBTIQ+ individuals in NSW are supported, respected, and have their rights upheld. This is what our community has always stood for through our decades of advocacy and resilience.”

Co-Chair of the Council, Dr Justin Koonin, who completed his PhD in Mathematics at University of Sydney said:

“There are legal, social and health issues that continue to impact the human rights, safety and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people in NSW. As Co-Chair of the Council I am looking forward to working with members to ensure the NSW Government has direct access to the communities’ experiences, ideas and solutions. I am proud to be part of a council that will work towards equality for all.”