New commissioner for LGBTIQA+ communities

The Victorian Government has announced a new LGBTIQA+ Commissioner for the state.

Joe Ball will be Victoria’s third LGBTIQA+ Commissioner. Minister for Equality, Harriet Shing said Mr Ball had been a longstanding LGBTIQA+ advocate, with decades of experience across mental health, family violence, suicide prevention and disability sectors.

Mr Ball (pictured) was previously CEO of Switchboard where he oversaw the creation of programs including Rainbow Door, a dedicated LGBTIQA+ family violence and mental health helpline, along with CHARLEE, a LGBTIQA+ Suicide Prevention Hub.

He is a current member of the National LGBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing 10-year Action Plan Expert Advisory Group, and was honoured as one of 50 Outstanding LGBTI+ Australian Leaders in 2020.

“Joe’s appointment to the role of LGBTIQA+ Commissioner will ensure we can continue our nation-leading work to recognise, support and celebrate LGBTIQA+ people and communities across Victoria, and I congratulate him on his determination over many years to improve the lives of LGBTIQA+ people,” said Minister Shing.

“Commissioner Ball’s expertise and inclusive advocacy will be enormously important in delivering our Pride in Our Future Equality Strategy, and builds on the legacy of previous Commissioner Todd Fernando.”

Mr Ball has also served as a member of several leading community services committees and boards including Safe and Equal, the 1800 RESPECT community advisory committee, the Victorian LGBTIQA+ Taskforce, the Victorian Family Violence Reform Advisory Group and the National Suicide Prevention Governance Committee.

The Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities provides a strong voice for diverse LGBTIQA+ communities across the state, working with the Government to implement Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022-2032 – a roadmap to ensure all Victorians feel safe, have equal human rights and live wholly and freely. 

“It is an immense honour and responsibility to be the next Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities. I am here because of those who fought for generations so that LGBTIQA+ people could not only exist, but thrive,” Mr Ball said.

He will commence in the role on 23 September.