Rainbow lanyards given to Victorian public sector workers under a $5000 plan to highlight homophobia

THE Victorian Government is spending $5000 on rainbow lanyards for Victorian public sector workers in the latest bid to battle homophobia.

Premier Daniel Andrews in the Gay Pride Parade. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

RAINBOW lanyards are being given to staff across the Victorian public service in the bid to battle homophobia.

Up to 5000 of the colourful neck passes have been distributed in a bid to embrace LGBTI workers and promote the government’s inclusion initiatives.

It has cost $5000, but government spokeswoman Hayley McNaughton said the lanyards were voluntary and staff would not be forced to wear them.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews at the pride march. Picture: Christopher Chan

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“It’s not uncommon for the public service, like any other workforce, to have pins, badges or activities to mark days of significance,’’ she said. “Lanyards were an initiative of the Victorian Public Sector Pride Network to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia.”

Despite the low cost, the move has raised questions about the government’s priorities, Opposition spokesman Tim Smith says.

“Victorians rightly want the Andrews Government and the public service to deliver better services and not to be focused on the colour of lanyards,” he said.

The latest move comes after the Department of Premier and Cabinet released its LGBTI Inclusion Plan for 2016-17.

The policy document recommends identifying options for trans and gender diverse toilets and signs.

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