Jenny Leong MP, Member for Newtown, thanks the members of CAMP for their contribution to LGBTIQ+ law reform and social change in Australia over the past 50 years.
"I draw the attention of this parliament the fact that this year is the 50th Anniversary of establishing CAMP Inc in Sydney. It became the first lesbian and gay national political organisation, and the foundation stone for today's LGBTIQ+ community. John Ware, Christabel Poll and their partners founded C AMP in 1970. Lex Watson, Peter de Waal and Peter "Bon" Bonsall-Boone, among others, became foundation members. The group's aim was to decriminalize homosexuality, raise visibility, provide support and reduce isolation. CAMP's first rally, in Australia, was outside Liberal party HQ, Ash Street, Sydney, October 1971. The group were involved ion many more demonstrations afterwards,. At a CAMP Inc 1978 executive meeting the first Sydney Mardi Gras was named.
The first homosexual specific telephone service, Phone-A-Friend was established in Peter and Bon's Balmain home, 1973. Over nearly fifty years it's provided mental healthy support to thousands of people. I sincerely thank every CAMP member for their contribution to LGBTIQ+ law reform and social change in Australia. I specifically want to acknowledge the 'CAMP Goes Gold 1970-2020' working group, Robyn Kennedy, Robyn Plaister and Peter de Waal for their efforts in organizing CAMP's 50th anniversary celebrations."
Hansard available here.
