Groundbreaking LGBTQIA+ survey launches
Published on 05 June 2025
The City of Launceston will officially launch a groundbreaking survey developed in conjunction with Equality Tasmania and Launceston's LGBTQIA+ community today at a local government forum focused on building inclusion at a local level.
Organised by the Local Government Association of Tasmania and Equality Tasmania, the Pride and Progress Forum at the Tramsheds Function Centre brings together community members, local leaders, and advocates to share their voices, experiences, and insights on creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
The LGBTQIA+ Community Survey is a key step in the development of the City of Launceston’s first LGBTQIA+ Action Plan, which was unanimously supported by Councillors with the aim of fostering an inclusive, affirming, and safe environment for all LGBTQIA+ people and their families in Launceston and surrounding regions.
The responses received through the survey will help inform the LGBTQIA+ Action Plan.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the responses would help the Council identify service gaps, strengthen inclusivity, and guide policy direction.
"Everyone deserves to feel like they belong in their city — and this is about listening, learning and growing together as a community,” Mayor Garwood said.
"We want to better understand the real experiences, challenges and aspirations of our community so we can build a more inclusive Launceston — one where everyone feels welcome, seen and proud to call home.” City of Launceston Executive Leader of Connections & Liveability Ali Kemp said the Council was committed to turning engagement into action. "This is about more than data, it's about building genuine trust and lasting partnerships with our LGBTQIA+ community," Ms Kemp said.
"The survey is open to all LGBTQIA+ individuals, allies, families, and supporters, and we hope to hear from as many people as possible because every voice matters, and every experience will help shape a stronger, more inclusive Launceston."
Equality Tasmania spokesperson Rodney Croome said the City of Launceston's LGBTIQA+ survey was groundbreaking for Northern Tasmania.
"It shows the Council not only values the principles of inclusion and equal opportunity but wants to hear from those most affected how it can put those principles into practice," Mr Croome said.
"LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians still face much higher rates of discrimination, stigma, hate crime, mental health risk and housing risk, as well as difficulties accessing services addressing these issues.
"The City of Launceston’s survey and subsequent Action Plan will go a long way to addressing those problems.”
Launceston-based creative professional, businessman and LGBTQIA+ advocate Bradley Cullen said it was incredibly important for LGBTIQA+ people to feel safe in their own communities.
"As a parent, I want my kids to grow up in a place that’s not just welcoming, but genuinely inclusive," Mr Cullen said.
"It’s a privilege to be part of something that’s about real change — not just words, but action.
"I’m proud to be involved, and I’m truly grateful to the Council for taking this seriously and showing what leadership looks like."
The City of Launceston's LGBTQIA+ Community Survey is now open online via the Council's community engagement platform tomorrowtogetherlaunceston.com.au and will close on July 6.
Responses are confidential and all data collected will be de-identified and used to inform the development of the LGBTQIA+ Action Plan and associated projects like the Equity and Inclusion Framework.