Those found to have engaged in conversion practices that result in serious injury will face penalties of up to 10 years’ jail or up to $10,000 in fines.
In supporting the bill, Animal Justice party MP Andy Meddick described himself as the proud father of two “perfect” transgender children.
“They do not need fixing,” he said. “Nor do any other children or adults who do not fit an often religiously held belief that sexuality and gender are binary only.”
Labor’s Harriet Shing, the first openly lesbian member of Victorian parliament, acknowledged conversion therapy victims and survivor groups who have advocated for the ban for many years.
The Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill makes it illegal to attempt to change or suppress a person s sexual orientation or gender identity, carrying a penalty of 10 years jail or fines up to $10,000.
It also gives investigative powers to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) and the ability to refer matters to police.
Parliament of Victoria, where the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill passed late on Thursday evening.(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Victorian Parliament s only openly gay MP, Harriet Shing, said the legislation is an important move to recognise the pain and the trauma and the hurt of victims and survivors ,
Jill Hennessy’s replacement revealed
By Emma Ryan|23 December 2020
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed a cabinet reshuffle which includes the appointment of a new Attorney-General following Jill Hennessy’s resignation last week.
Ms Hennessy stepped down on 16 December, citing her wishes to spend greater time with her teenage daughters as they go through high school a move supported by the Victorian Premier.
“Stepping into the big shoes of Jill Hennessy as Victoria’s new Attorney-General is Jaclyn Symes,” Mr Andrews confirmed.
“Not only does Jaclyn have the necessary skills and background, she has a fierce commitment to carry on the work of reforming our justice system that I know makes her right for this role.
Secretary for Mental Health.
The goals is to bring a continued focus to this critical area of the state’s reform agenda.
Former paramedic and Victorian Secretary of Ambulance Employees Australia, Steve McGhie has been sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary for Health.
Jaclyn Symes will be replacing Jill Hennessy as Victoria’s new Attorney-General while she will also continue to serve as Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council and Minister for Resources.
Other changes to the Cabinet include Mary-Anne Thomas as the state’s new Minister for Regional Development and Minister for Agriculture.
On that note, Harriet Shing will add her technical experience in governance and in working with regional communities to her new role as Parliamentary Secretary for Water.
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Minister Jaclyn Symes will replace Jill Hennessy as Victoria s Attorney-General, while another regional MP, Mary-Anne Thomas, will join the Andrews government cabinet.
Ms Symes, an upper house member for Northern Victoria, will become the state s first law officer and hand over her responsibilities for regional development and agriculture to Ms Thomas, the member for Macedon.
Daniel Andrews with Jacyln Symes in March.
Credit:Joe Armao
The new Attorney-General, who holds a law degree from Deakin University, will retain her responsibility for the resources portfolio and continue to serve as leader of the government in the Legislative Council.
Premier Daniel Andrews, in a statement announcing the frontbench changes, said Ms Symes would have big shoes to fill after Ms Hennessy resigned last week.