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Chief Executive Officer for Anglicare WA, Ian Carter, has responded to Western Australian Federal MP Ian Goodenough’s comments today concerning legislation for same–sex marriage.

Mr Carter has challenged the assertion that Anglicare organisations could face a threat to their government funding once marriage equality becomes law.  

“As one of the State’s largest social service providers, Anglicare WA fully supports marriage equality and does not discriminate against anyone,” Mr Carter said.

“Anglicare WA’s long held values of inclusion and respect mean we welcome and support LGBTI staff and volunteers, and we do not discriminate against anyone in the community in our service delivery.

“We also recognise that the particular issues and disadvantages faced by the LGBTI community results in disproportionately higher levels of substance use, homelessness and youth suicide.

“Anglicare WA believes that equality under the law and the societal acceptance that comes with that is beneficial to the whole community.    

“We have operated for 41 years driven by our values. We have never had problems attracting staff and volunteers and I’m very confident this will continue. I am very proud of the diversity we have in our work force and how positively it impacts on our culture. 

“At Anglicare WA we are certain that Christ’s message to love one’s neighbour is open and embraces everyone in our service delivery.

“We want to work alongside anyone who is committed to this agenda of trusted service and loving support and we offer no restrictions on who we support, just open doors and a genuine welcome,” Mr Carter said.

Anglicare WA has 533 staff, 320 volunteers and 86 different social services offered across 44 locations around the state from Kununurra to Albany. In the last year it helped more than 42,000 clients.  

Core service provision is aimed at housing and homelessness, domestic violence, financial counselling, relationships and parenting, Aboriginal communities, mental health and youth support.