In a dark period of New South Wales’ history between 1975 and 2000, it is estimated that 84 gay men and 4 transgender women were killed by acts of anti-gay and anti-transgender violence and thousands more survived violent attacks. In some cases, these deaths were attributed to improbable “accidents” and unlikely “suicides”. More than 20 cases remain unsolved leaving families and loved ones without answers, closure or justice.

Many of these attacks were brutal, including stabbings, strangulation, bludgeoning, shooting, sexual assaults and frenzied attacks. Some of the crimes were fuelled by HIV stigma. Many people are still living with grief and trauma.

In search for justice and healing, ACON and NSW Police reviewed a list of 88 gay and transgender hate killings. ACON summarised key findings in their In Pursuit of Truth and Justice Report. The NSW Parliament acted on these findings by initiating a formal Inquiry in September 2018, and again in October 2019, to better understand the extent and impact of violence, whether LGBTQ people in New South Wales were effectively protected and justice delivered, and whether the current response to hate crimes is adequate.

• To read submissions from the first phase of the Inquiry, click here.
• To read the Interim Report from the first phase of the Inquiry, click here.
• To read submissions from the second phase of the Inquiry, click here. 

Hearings from the second Inquiry scheduled for March 2020 has been postponed. 

For more information about the Parliamentary Inquiry, please contact Michael Atkinson on (02) 9206 2000 or via email at [email protected]