Summer Update - 2003
"May all embrace their birthright to live their
life with dignity"
Contents
Summer Recess
The Summer period is a time when those who have
worked hard in the political arena take time to be with
their families and unwind after a hectic year, and in
order to prepare for the next.
Most State Parliament's go into recess at the end of
November and return in mid February or early March
The Executive of M.A.N. has taken this time as a time
for reflection and preparation for the year ahead.
The year ahead is one that will be full of activity-
with law reform initiatives in a number of States planned
for this year, along with the handing down of the
decision of the Full bench of the Family Court in the RE:
Kevin and Jennifer - Marriage Rights Case.
Back in Action - Online
Meeting
The Online meeting is planned for 15 February
at 7.30 pm E.S.T.
If you would like to participate you will need to
access the internet for this meeting.
If you are interested in taking part please send an
email to mensasutnet@hotmail.com.
The meeting will be held using the yahoo messenger
conference facility, the meeting will last for no more
than an hour and a half with a pre-set agenda.
I would like to use part of this time to establish
working parties on the various project files - and then
have those groups report back on a regular basis, with
draft documents for consultation.
Project groups could have virtual meetings using the
yahoo conference messenger system too - with meeting
dates added to the group calendar.
Remember, Remember the 5th of
November Banksia Day
I have made contact with the Victorian Health
diary calendar and it would seem that November the 5th is
a date that is available for our Banskia Day.
A submission has been made to recognize this day as
Banksia Day. A day for working towards acceptance and
understanding of men with ts.
Health Agenda
There is a need for access to Health Providers
and Services, which are provided in a manner that treats
us with respect for our innate identity.
Research into the Health issues of men with ts is
needed.
Education Agenda
The need for greater community understanding and
education to redress discriminatory perceptions of men
with ts by others.
Law Agenda
We seek full acceptance of our innate male
identity within all areas of the law.
There is still much systemic discrimination within
government bureaucratic structures with regards to legal
and administrative recognition of our innate male
identity and the right to privacy regarding our personal
medical status.
MAN's ACTION SITE
A yahoogroup site has been established as a hub for
action . Various Project groups have been established
Man's Action Site:
mensaustnet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Towards a language of
Understanding
I have had some success with the medical
profession with regards language and the development of
the "Male Pelvic" ultrasound.
This has now been successfully rebated via Medicare
and I would encourage any men who need to undergo such
diagnostic treatments to request that all documentation
refer to them using male identification.
Sport and "Playing By The
Rules"
I met with the South Australian Equal
Opportunity Commissioner, for those of you interested in
sport check out this site that the Deputy Commissioner
has participated in developing.
She is keen for feedback on ways to incorporate our
needs within the program - http://www.playbytherules.net.au/
regards Guy
fan of Taoist Tennis
Brochures
The Health Professionals Brochure is currently
out for final comment and consultation, an educational
brochure for Health Professionals the intention is to
make it available to General Practioners throughout
Australia.
I have been fortunate in obtaining the assistance of a
number of eminent medical and scientific experts who have
also reviewed the document.
South Australia - Report
Meeting with the Equal Opportunity
Commission
This meeting went really well. I was able to obtain a
lot of detail about the upcoming law reform and
associated consultation processes that will occur this
year.
We discussed issues about the effectiveness of the
legislation and appropriate language.
I was really impressed that the Deputy Commissioner
took so much time and effort both in preparation for our
meeting and during.
Lets Get Equal-SA - I have continued to work
towards strengthening our links with this group who are
particularly active and enthusiastic about the year
ahead.
The Labor Government has given a commitment to
introduce reform by the end of next year.
Picnic in the Park - SA - This was a great day
with ideal weather for the occasion, not only was I able
to subtly distribute a number of copies of the M.A.N.
Brochure but I also made some good contacts for the
future.
Law Reform in South Australia
I've had a response back from the Attorney General of
South Australia with regards inclusion of issues that
affect men with ts in the upcoming law review
process.
The Document for consultation is due to be released
any day now and it will be important that Men with ts
Contribute to the process by being involved in providing
feedback and responses.
To those members who are on the M.A.N. action list I
will be able to provide some guidance in how to make an
individual submission as well as seek you input into the
M.A.N. submission.
Victorian Report - Labor Wins Victorian
Election
The Labor Government returned to power with an
increased majority in Victoria. While the majority of
Ministers have retained their portfolios there has been
some changes that are relevant to us.
Births Deaths and Marriages have moved form the
Attorney Generals portfolio to that of Minister John
Thwaites.
MAN continues to work towards acceptance of access to
Birth Certificate correction for men with ts
The Equal Opportunity Commission have been supportive
of our endeavors in this respect.
Gender Identity Reference Group
This group seems to be winding up. It was formed to
assist with the implementation of the Gender Identity
Attribute in the Equal Opportunity Act.
HMAC submission
We have yet to hear of any further activity by the
HMAC following our submission last year.
Western Australia Report
At this stage there has been no further
information made available about the Equal Opportunity
law reform in WA.
I am keen to hear from WA members who would like to
contrite to the Documentation information section of the
website.
Do you have other issues, which you feel are specific
to WA.
Our WA agenda needs to be prioritized.
At this stage the issues are.
- Birth Certificates
- Discrimination law reform
- Health care access and treatment
NSW Report
Prisons and Prisoners
Have you had experience with the NSW prison system?
Would you like to contribute your ideas to policy
development?
There are many issues that affect men with ts who live
in N.S.W. and all too frequently we, for various reasons,
do not participate in developing policies that are
inclusive of our needs.
That is why as the Department of Corrections reviews
their practices it is important for us to know what you
are thinking.
I am also mindful that there are other issues, which
affect our members in N.S.W. too.
Please let us know what issues you feel need to be
addressed in this state.
Tasmania Report
Men's Australian Network has made a submission
to the Men's Health Ministers Advisory Committee (HMAC)
in Tasmania.
The submission brings to the attention of the
committee a number of issues, which affect men with ts
and their loved ones.
MAN seeks inclusion in the Men's Health agenda
currently being developed. We seek recognition of our
innate male identity and access to health services in a
manner that treats us with dignity and respect for our
male identity.
ACT Report
MAN is currently preparing a submission in
response to the Discussion paper which was released in
late December.
(A copy of the document is located in the Files on the
action website)
This process is not only relevant to those who live in
the ACT but also to those in N.S.W. as there are a number
of similarities between existing state laws.
If you live in either state and have issues regarding
current state laws that you would like to see included in
the submission please contact us and let us know.
Website Development
The Men's Australian Network site is currently
being under review and an update is being prepared. Craig
Andrews has kindly taken over the role of website
manager.
A lot of work has been put into making the site more
user friendly. So keep an eye out for the site update
which will be accessible at http://www.vicnet.net.au/~man
Australian Research Center for Health
and Sex (ARCHS) Research and Development
This Group is associated with the La Trobe
University.
When I spoke to them about ways of working towards
Education strategies and obtaining effective research
funding the issue of Phd Studies being undertaken was
raised.
I would like to establish a form of register of any
research or studies being under taken which are inclusive
of men with ts.
Please contact MAN at the mensaustnet@hotmail
address if you are aware of any work or research being
carried out.
It would be good to encourage men to participate in
regular men's surveys and health research as a means to
working towards broader acceptance and understanding.
Health Professionals
I have been undertaking informal communication
with a number of eminent Health Professionals in order to
gain an understanding of the politics and bureaucracy of
the Health System and Men's Health Provision.
Discussions have included the issue of Mainstreaming
Health Care for men with ts.
This is something I would see as a long term goal,
with men with ts included in the broader men's health
agenda.
We need to consider what type of support services men
with ts, value, access or find are currently lacking.
In most States there is a tendency for men with ts to
live in isolation from other men and not access regular
health care needs.
I am also mindful that a significant number of people
may not have regular access to email/internet
Liaison with other groups
FTM Australia
MAN has continued to liase with FTM Australia on a
number of issues. We are thankful for their assistance in
the distribution of this publication.
Over the last few months it has become clear to me the
immense amount of time and effort that Craig Andrews and
others have put into this organization has been a
valuable service for our community.
True Colours
It is with sadness that I advise members of the
demise of this short lived group. The group became
unworkable when it was made clear that not all members
had come to the group with an intention to work towards
the common good of women and men.
The actions of these members meant that despite the
efforts of others such as myself and Rachel Wallbank this
group was not viable.
As such the group no longer exists and the Executive
of Australian WOMAN's Network and Men's Australian
Network are not working together in any capacity.
MAN's ACTION SITE
A yahoogroup site has been established as a hub for
action. Various Project groups have been established
Man's Action Site: mensaustnet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Convenor of Men's Australian Network,
Guy Faulk
Email: mensaustnet@hotmail.com
Internet: www.vicnet.net.au/~man
This update is prepared for men with TS, their
Significant Others and Supporters. Please note it should not
be treated as legal advice.
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