Gov't move on gay couple super welcomed / Commitment sought on family law / In-principle support for recognition of 'companions"

This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 28.5.08.

Gay rights advocates have welcomed the Federal Government's first step towards removing financial discrimination against same-sex couples, with amendments to superannuation and government pension laws introduced today.

Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that the reforms have the support of the great majority of Australians and will have a positive impact on the lives of same-sex partners and their children.

"Same-sex couples will breath a sigh of relief because they will soon have the same level of financial security as their heterosexual counterparts in the event of retirement or death", Mr Croome said.

"We call on the private superannuation funds affected by this change to ensure they implement equal treatment for all couples as quickly as possible."

The Government announced that today's initiative will be followed by further reform to remove discrimination across other federal laws, and will also recognise couples in state civil partnerships.

In response Mr Croome said, "it is only fair that partners in state civil partnerships have the same rights and recognition in federal law as they currently do in state law, and in the law of some other countries such as the UK."

While the Government will recognise the children of same-sex couples in areas such as superannuation, it is not yet clear if it will extend this recognition to matters governed by the Family Court.

Last week the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, responded to lobbying from former Family Court Chief Justice, Alastair Nicholson, with a commitment to allow same-sex partners to resolve property disputes in the Family Court, but during Budget-Estimates questioning Government representatives refused to give a similar commitment on matters involving children such as child support payments.

"It is in the best interests of the children of same-sex partners that they have the same legal protections as other children", Mr Croome said.

Mr Croome gave in-principle support to calls from some Opposition members for entitlements to be extended to interdependent couples such as older companions, but added that their inclusion should not be allowed to slow down an already urgent and over-due reform.

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.