The recently-formed Victorian branch of Australian Marriage Equality has two new conveners, Tim Peppard and Christine Cooke.
Tim and Chris take over from Carl Katter who formally resigned at last night’s meeting of the group to become more active as an advocate for LGBTI equality within the Labor Party.
AME National Convener, Rodney Croome, said he is sad that Carl is departing.
“Carl is a passionate and skilled advocate for marriage equality who will continue to make an invaluable contribution to reform no matter what role he takes on”, Rodney said.
Carl said he is proud to have helped set up AME Victoria.
“Melbourne boasts some of the highest levels of support for marriage equality in Australia and this needs to be reflected in an active lobbying and advocacy group based in the city.”
“I am proud of my role in establishing AME Victoria, but I feel it is important for me to channel my energy for LGBTI human rights into my work within the Labor Party.”
New co-convener, Tim Peppard said, the 2013 federal election, announced yesterday, is the top priority for AME Victoria.
“The number one priority Chris and I have for AME Victoria in this election year is to encourage voters to make marriage equality a major factor in their voting decision.”
“It is embarrassing for Australians that our politicians are so behind Canada, the US, Spain, Argentina and so many other countries on the marriage equality issue.”
This Sunday marks the first time AME will march in the Melbourne Pride March.
Tim and Chris urged supporters of marriage equality to join AME by assembling at the corner of Fitzroy St and Lakeside Drv at 1pm.
For more information contact Tim Peppard on 0438 380 000, Chris Cooke on 0412 551 946, Carl Katter on 0414 288 525 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668