As the dust begins to settle on the federal election and we all breathe a sigh of relief over having avoided a Dutton Coalition Government, it’s time to consider what the election result actually means for us as queer and/or disabled folk and what we can expect over the next three years.

Disability advocate and former world champion para-athlete, Ali France, has caused the biggest upset of the Australian federal election, winning the Brisbane seat of Dickson from the now former Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton.

Less than a week out from the federal election, it is being reported that the Albanese Labor government has “dumped” planned reforms aimed at ending discrimination under Commonwealth law.

At a time when transgender rights are under attack around the world, including in Australia, more than 120 candidates in the upcoming federal election have signed the Trans Justice Pledge.

Equality Australia recently surveyed the “big 3” forces in Australian politics and some of the independent candidates about key LGBTQIA+ issues ahead of the May election.

Politicians from the ALP, LNP, Greens and the so-called “teal independents” pitched their respective parties to queer voters at the Rainbow Votes Election Forum in Sydney on Tuesday night.

In the first LGBTQIA+-specific commitment this election campaign, the Australian Labor Party today pledged $10 million in funding to “strengthen Medicare” and improve primary care for LGBTQIA+ Australians if re-elected.

Regardless of who wins the election, mental health is set to be a big winner, with Labor yesterday pledging to invest $1 billion into mental health services across Australia.

"Representation isn't just symbolic - it shapes laws that affect our lives. When LGBTQ+ voices sit at the table, policy reflects our reality." (Savanna Peake, ALP candidate for Wentworth)

This explainer from ABC News provides a summary of the "Big 4" in Australian politics and what they stand for.