Tasmania Police, Equality Tasmania and Working It Out promote closer ties with historically marginalised communities. Video by Daniel Peek/Tasmania Police
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NewsTranscript
00:00 The relationship between Tasmanian police and the LGBTIQA+ community has not always
00:07 been a good one. But a lot has changed since the late 1990s, when consensual sex between
00:12 men was punished with a maximum of 21 years in prison. On top of that, Tasmania was the
00:19 only state which banned cross-dressing, discriminating against transgender Tasmanians. These archaic
00:25 laws fostered deep discrimination against the LGBTIQA+ community in Tasmania. Tasmania
00:34 Police recognise that past action and experience can make people fearful and apprehensive of
00:39 police. However, as an organisation, we are committed to supporting the LGBTIQA+ community.
00:48 Tasmania Police recruits have received training from members of the LGBTIQA+ community since
00:54 the early 1990s. Every police officer is now trained by working it out about the experiences
01:01 of the LGBTIQA+ community and how to work in a more inclusive way. Community members
01:09 may wish to speak to a liaison officer so that they can be confident that the officer
01:13 they speak to has specialised training and has a deep understanding of the intricacies
01:18 and issues that the LGBTIQA+ community may face. All Tasmanians have the right to feel
01:24 safe and the right to access Tasmania Police without the fear of discrimination. Members
01:29 of the LGBTIQA+ community have the right to be respected and supported by members of Tasmania
01:35 Police and the community. To speak to a liaison officer, simply ask the police switchboard
01:42 or any police officer to put you in contact with an on-duty LGBTIQA+ liaison officer.
01:47 For non-emergency situations, you can contact us via email or you can visit the Tasmania
01:53 Police website to find out more.
01:55 [Music]
01:57 (gentle music)