Commissioner Ball (he/him) is a long-time advocate for LGBTIQA+ rights and a proud transgender man.
Joe is the outgoing CEO of Switchboard Victoria. There, he played a pivotal role in creating the Rainbow Door helpline for family violence and mental health support.
He is part of the Expert Advisory Group for the Federal Government’s 10-year LGBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing Plan.
In his new role as Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, Joe will work to support the rights, safety, and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer, and asexual communities.
The Commissioner plays a leading role in implementing the Pride in our future strategy. The strategy is the Victorian Government’s 10-year plan for LGBTIQA+ equality. It involves all parts of the government. The Commissioner will help to engage and activate government, sectors, and the community to ensure its implementation.
During a time of increasing discrimination against LGBTIQA+ and other marginalised communities, the Commissioner’s role is even more important. He will work with communities and allies to ensure there are culturally safe and accessible supports in place.
Commissioner Ball will start his three-year term on 23 September.
