Media release - 30 November 2006

WORLD AIDS DAY 2006

Queensland has just recorded the highest number of HIV infections in any year since HIV became a recognised illness.

'Because of these increased numbers, and as it is World AIDS Day, I want to remind Queenslanders that it’s illegal to discriminate against people with HIV/AIDS' said Commissioner Susan Booth, from the Anti-Discrimination Commission.

'There’s still a lot of stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and we really want to get the message out that people who are HIV positive can complain if they think they’ve been unfairly treated. I think it’s one of those issues where we know people are being discriminated against at work, or in trying to access medical services or accommodation, but we’re not getting complaints about it. Often, a complaint can bring about changes in behaviour which benefit more people than just the one lodging the complaint, and I’d encourage people to give us a call.'

World AIDS Day was first declared in 1988 and is observed annually. This year the theme is HIV/AIDS: Let’s Talk About It: many faces, different stories.

'I’ve read some of the stories on the website', said Ms Booth, 'and while the stories describe happiness and optimism, they also talk about prejudice, misinformation and fear. This is not just unfair, it’s discrimination and that’s outlawed in the Anti–Discrimination Act 1991'.

For further comment contact Susan Booth
telephone: 07) 3247 0901 or TTY 1300 130 680