2026-09-17
The Greens have welcomed the government’s commitment to apologise to LGBTIQA+ Defence personnel and veterans who suffered historical discrimination, and say it must be delivered by the Prime Minister and backed by a redress scheme.
Greens LGBTIQA+ spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said an apology was an important step towards acknowledging the harm caused by decades of discrimination.
“An apology is welcome and long overdue, but it must come from the Prime Minister as well as the Chief of the Australian Defence Force,” Senator McKim said.
“An apology given in the Parliament by the Prime Minister would create a moment for genuine national reckoning, reflection and healing.
“The apology must be accompanied by financial redress for LGBTIQA+ personnel and veterans who were punished simply because of who they were.
“People lost employment, income and housing, and many suffered profound impacts on their mental health.
“Financial redress cannot undo that harm, but it would provide a tangible acknowledgement of the injustices that were inflicted.
“Canada and the United Kingdom have redress schemes for LGBTIQA+ former service personnel, and Australia should follow their lead.
“The Government should establish an inquiry to determine the appropriate amount of redress and how it should be provided.
“Apologies matter, but so does the acknowledgment of harm through the provision of redress.”