Sat, 3rd, Oct, 2026: The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Sport, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, and Minister for Equality;Equality & LGBTQIA+ Rights, Workplace Safety Reform, TAC & Road Toll, and Inclusive Sports & Major Events

With portfolio responsibilities spanning equality, workplace safety, road injury compensation, and sport, our next guest holds a pivotal seat in shaping community well-being and inclusion across Victoria. Joining us today on Saturday Magazine is the Minister for Sport, WorkSafe and the TAC, and Minister for Equality, Steve Dimopoulos. Steve, welcome to JOY 94.9. Advancing Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ Strategy , funding pride events, supporting queer youth, and tackling rising far-right rhetoric, anti-trans harassment, and vilification aimed at community spaces. Highlighting legislative protections, community grants, and structural support for rural and regional LGBTQIA+ networks. WorkSafe Scheme Reform: Modernising WorkSafe to remain financially sustainable while supporting workers with physical and mental injuries (psychological health and safety standards). Occupational Violence: Overlapping with recent paramedic and healthcare worker assault concerns, WorkSafe plays a primary role in enforcing employer obligations to protect staff from violence at work. TAC (Transport Accident Commission) & Road Safety Road Toll & Safety: Overseeing TAC public campaigns, road trauma prevention, and compensation for individuals injured on Victorian roads. Focus Areas: Reducing severe road trauma, supporting vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists), and expanding TAC funding for community rehabilitation programs. Sport & Major Events: Driving investment in grassroots sports infrastructure and events Trans & Gender-Diverse Inclusion: Navigating sporting policies to ensure trans and gender-diverse athletes feel welcome at community, amateur, and elite levels without discriminatory hurdles. “We’ve seen an alarming rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ harassment and threats directed at community events and local councils over recent years. How is the government working with police, councils, and community groups to keep our public spaces safe?” “As one of Victoria’s first openly gay Cabinet ministers, how do your personal lived experiences shape your priorities as Minister for Equality?” Quote attributable to Minister for Equality Steve Dimopoulos “Now LGBTIQA+ Victorians have a safe, confidential way to have their experience heard and acted on. Every voice matters, and only Labor is making sure every voice is heard.” Quote attributable to Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny “This upgraded tool is confidential, simple, and it connects people straight to the support they need, like Switchboard’s Rainbow Door.” Quote attributable to Victorian Equal Opportunity and Equal Rights Commissioner Ro Allen “The enhanced tool now has five design options to help different communities feel safe and empowered to make a report – organisations hosting the tool on their website can select the most relevant design for their needs.” Quote attributable to LGBTIQA+ Commissioner Joe Ball “This reporting tool will give us a clear picture of vilification and hate happening in our communities so we can respond, identify patterns and strengthen prevention – every report can help build that understanding.” https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/supporting-lgbtiqa-victims-vilification WhatsApp-Image-2026-10-03-at-22-53-25-1-1791082850168 (1) The post <a href="https://joy.org.au/saturdaymagazine/2026/10/sat-3rd-oct-2026-the-hon-ste