The Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes (the Inquiry) will hold its final public sitting tomorrow, Tuesday 14 November 2023, in Sydney.
Led by the Honourable Justice John Sackar (the Commissioner), the Inquiry has looked into all the unsolved deaths of LGBTIQ people (or people presumed to be LGBTIQ) that may have been hate crimes between 1970 and 2010. The final report will be handed to the NSW Governor by 15 December 2023.
For the last eighteen months, a team of independent barristers, solicitors and investigators have combed through more than 150,000 documents drawn from 40 years of police files, coronial files, and other sources in relation to LGBTIQ hate-related deaths.
In a series of public hearings, the deaths of 32 people have been examined. Counsel Assisting has made detailed submissions in every case, including recommendations as to the finding which the Commissioner should make as to the manner and cause of each death.
The Inquiry also looked at social, legal and cultural factors affecting the LGBTIQ community. It has heard from historians, advocates, writers, and others with lived experience of the period, including experience of the violence against the LGBTIQ community during that time.
Also under the spotlight has been the nature of the relationship between the LGBTIQ community and the NSW Police Force over the 40-year period, including the police response to violence and deaths suspected of being hate crimes.
At the final sitting, Senior Counsel Assisting Peter Gray will deliver a closing address to the Commissioner.
There will be no other appearances, evidence, or testimony on this occasion.
The final sitting will commence at 10.30am at the Chief Secretary’s Building, Level 2, 121 Macquarie Street, Sydney and is open to the public. It will also be livestreamed on the homepage of the Inquiry’s website: The Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes | The Special Commission of Inquiry (nsw.gov.au).
More information about past hearings, including transcripts and videos, can be found on the Inquiry’s website.
Journalists wishing to cover the hearing in person should notify the Inquiry’s media team to ensure access to the media room and/or relevant information including the transcript.
Seeking support
The following services provide counselling for LGBTIQ community members who have experienced violence, as well as friends and loved ones:
ACON
Ph: (02) 9206 2000
QLife
Ph: 1800 184 527
Lifeline
Ph: 13 14 11
Media seeking further information can visit the Inquiry website or contact the
Senior Media Adviser at Louise.Crealy@specialcommission.nsw.gov.au