Rudd Gov't move against same-sex bias welcomed / Call on Opposition to support reform

This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 30.4.08.

Gay rights advocates have welcomed a Federal Government commitment to begin removing discrimination against same-sex de facto couples within months, and have called on the Opposition to "get behind" reform.

Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland will today announce that legislation removing discrimination in areas including superannuation and aged care will be introduced in the winter session of Parliament, with a delayed implementation in areas like social security and veterans affairs to be completed by mid 2009.

Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson, Rodney Croome, welcomed a fixed timetable for reform, saying it will ease the burden on elderly and retired same-sex partners who will now have certainty in regard to their superannuation, aged care and pension entitlements.

"The recognition of same-sex de facto couples is long over-due and will bring Australian national law into line with all Australia's states and territories and many other western nations", Mr Croome said.

"We call on the Coalition and its leader, Brendan Nelson, to extend full, bi-partisan support to the Government's proposal so that it is not delayed in the Senate, and so that a clear anti-discrimination message is sent to the Australian public", Mr Croome said.

Mr Croome said supporters of equality must continue to pressure the Government to ensure reform is as comprehensive as possible.

"Reform must extend to all federal family entitlements including equal access to the Family Court, and it must ensure formally-recognised civil partners in Tasmania and Victoria have full federal entitlements."

"It is deeply disappointing that the Government is not prepared to accept equality in marriage, but I look forward to same-sex de facto law reform rekindling the debate on why full legal and social equality is needed."

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.