The Queensland Government has announced broad cuts to the Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC), the state’s only LGBT health and wellbeing organisation.

 

Previously, QAHC had held major contracts with Queensland Health for HIV prevention work with gay men and reduction in alcohol, tobacco and other drugs work with the broader LGBT community.

 

“We are shocked at the announcement made by Minister Springborg today.  There has been no warning, discussion or negotiation with us about our current service agreements with Queensland Health, nor has there been any previous question about the quality or focus of our work” QAHC’s Executive Director Paul R Martin said.

 

“We understand that the Government is looking to find savings, and we are more than willing to work with them on that.  But to cut the only HIV prevention service for gay men and the only LGBT health service is astonishing.”

 

The association has received funding from consecutive Queensland Governments since 1988 for the delivery of HIV prevention services in the LGBT community.