The Australian Greens have announced $10 million per year of funding into ending HIV in Australia, with a further $1 million for national campaigns that break down HIV discrimination and stigma, ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December.

“We have the chance to end HIV in Australia. The Greens will invest $10 million a year into organisations that do the incredibly important work of combating and preventing HIV,” said Senator Richard Di Natale, leader of the Australian Greens and a doctor.

“We welcome the government’s announcement of HIV self-testing on the Therapeutic Goods Administration – a move that will go some way towards reducing the harm that stigma causes, but it doesn’t yet go far enough.”

“While Australia has had some success in reducing the transmission of HIV, we need to plan a process that will result in ending HIV.”

“We’re also committing an additional $1 million per year into national campaigns that break down HIV stigma and discrimination, encourage safer sex and encourage regular testing,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens LGBTIQ+ spokesperson.

“We know that reducing stigma and discrimination will lead to more people getting tested which is essential to eliminating HIV.”