Meridian is Canberra’s leading community-based, peer-led organisation for people living with HIV/AIDS, and sex, sexuality and gender diverse communities. Meridian was pleased to be one of the organisations chosen to process Grant applications for the ACT COVID-19 Disability Strategy Respite Effect and Recovery Grants.

We are writing to sincerely thank you for implementing the Respite Effect and Recovery Grants program and its associated process.

Meridian welcomes the opportunity to provide our support for, and comments regarding, Dr Paterson’s proposed Sexual Consent Law Reform. We also acknowledge and thank Deputy Chief Minister Berry’s work in establishing the tri partisan Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program. Meridian welcomes the recent appointment of Renée Leon as Chair of the overarching Steering Committee and the establishment of inclusive and intersectional Groups to drive reform in this important area.

Meridian ACT has developed a factsheet on the Recommended ACT Priorities for Action: HIV 2021

With the following 6 priority areas.

1. Prevention Programs
2. Effective Testing
3. Treatment Programs For Hiv
4. Care And Support
5. Stigma And Discrimination
6. Research, Data, And Information

This paper was developed by Meridian in consultation with community members and service providers, including the Canberra Inclusive Partnership’s Service User Reference Group, YWCA Canberra, ACT Shelter and Havelock Housing. Meridian acknowledges the existing body of work done by national and international researchers into the issue of LGBTIQA+ homelessness, which has informed many of the recommendations within this paper.

Feedback on vital legislative change to be part of bringing forth much-needed positive consent laws in the ACT.

Call for submissions to Inquiry into the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Bill 2021

Meridian welcomes the opportunity to provide our support for, and comments regarding, Dr Paterson’s proposed Sexual Consent Law Reform. We also acknowledge and thank you for establishing the tri-partisan Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program. Meridian welcomes the recent appointment of Renée Leon as Chair of the overarching Steering Committee and the establishment of inclusive and intersectional Groups to drive reform in this important area.

Meridian provides current information to the ACT Government on the needs, rights and discrimination that our communities in the ACT continue to face

Submission to ACT Health master-planning consultation for Canberra Hospital

How the next ACT Government can contribute to a welcoming and inclusive community for the HIV+ community and LGBTIQ+ people and their families.