While the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey keeps rolling out, mental health groups are reporting a spike in demand for services. This is estimated to continue until the postal survey concludes on 27 October.
Numbers have kicked up a gear significantly since last week with the mailing and collection of postal forms which has prompted the Andrews Labor Government to commit to providing additional mental health support for LGBTI Victorians, especially to those coming from a multicultural background.
“Discrimination on the basis of sexual or gender identity are commonly associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety and self-harm,” Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott said today.
“LGBTI people from a multicultural or multifaith background can face discrimination on multiple fronts.”
“While we were promised a ‘respectful’ debate on marriage equality, already we’re seeing that’s not the case. It is vital we support all members of the LGBTI community while the postal survey continues,” he added, announcing that $10,000 will go towards providing targeted support to CALD and LGBTI Victorians.
Victoria was the first state in Australia to provide additional mental health support after the postal survey became a reality. The survey results are to be published on 15 November.
