SUPPORTING LGBTIQA+ COMMUNITY CONNECTION WITH JOY MEDIA
A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver $250,000 to support JOY Radio - the nation’s first and only LGBTIQA+ community radio station.
Based out of Melbourne, JOY Radio is an essential voice for LGBTIQA+ Australians and has been connecting and empowering the community for over 30 years.
This funding, which complements financial support from the Victorian Government, will help JOY Media and its volunteers continue to serve, inform and connect the LGBTIQA+ community across the country, with daily content over its broadcast FM and DAB+ radio, website, podcasts and social media platforms.
This commitment builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s work alongside LGBTIQA+ Australians, including:
·Establishing Australia’s first ever National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People
·Funding to scale up dedicated LGBTIQA+ services
·Support for Australia hosting World Pride and the Human Rights Conference in 2023
·Adding a new topic of ‘sexual orientation and gender’ to the 2026 census to better inform policy decisions impacting LGBTIQA+ Australians
·Funding for Australia’s LGBTIQA+ museum, Qtopia, and
·Legislating the strongest ever protections for LGBTIQA+ people through the Hate Crimes Bill
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
Comment attributable to Josh Burns MP, Member for Macnamara:
“Right in the heart of Macnamara in our beautiful Victorian Pride Centre, JOY Media is a powerful voice and platform for the LGBTIQA+ community.
“I have seen firsthand how important JOY is to our local community, and this funding will mean LGBTIQA+ Australians, and their allies can engage and connect with JOY’s content.
“JOY Media is celebration of diversity, inclusion and connection, and I am proud to support the hardworking staff and volunteers who are dedicated to uplifting their community”
Comment attributable to Ged Kearney MP, Member for Cooper:
“Cooper’s LGBTIQA+ community holds a special place in their hearts for Joy – as do I. This funding for JOY Radio will foster community connections within and across LGBTIQA+ communities, which is crucial to building the health literacy of and about LGBTIQA+ people.
“Media outlets like JOY Media help amplify activities and safe places, to reduce social isolation, promote healthy lifestyles and foster peer support.”
Comment attributable to Peter Khalil MP, Member for Wills:
"Every time I’m on air with Macca and the team it’s an absolute joy to discuss politics and what matters to my diverse community in Melbourne’s north.
“This funding ensures that JOY Media can continue their important work in promoting LGBTQIA+ voices and stories across Australia.”
