Same sex laws on their way

Legislation to remove discrimination against same-sex couples in Commonwealth superannuation schemes should be in place by mid-2009.
The Same-Sex Relationships Bill 2008 will finally provide equal access to superannuation benefits for all same-sex couples and their children.
Australian Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes has welcomed the new legislation superannuation is one of the main ways of saving for retirement.
‘Most people expect that their superannuation entitlements will be inherited by their partner, children or other dependants, but Commonwealth employees in same-sex relationships have never had this right,’ Commissioner Innes said.
The Bill, if passed, will ensure that right from 1 July, he said.
Discrimination in access to superannuation benefits was one of the major issues discussed in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission’s Same-Sex: Same Entitlements report which dealt with financial and work-related entitlements and benefits.
Many Commonwealth employees told the Inquiry they felt insulted by this discrimination and its impact on their retirement plans.
One couple told the Inquiry: ‘We have had a loving, committed supportive relationship ‘ It’s simply unfair and discriminatory that we don’t have equality with my straight retired colleagues.’
Another said: ‘The law says I must pay into the [public sector] scheme and also says ‘ ‘your same sex partner will not be getting any of it’ – how unfair is that”
This Bill will mean that all Commonwealth employees will be treated equally in their access to superannuation benefits.
‘It is an important step on the path to full equality for same-sex couples and their children,’ Commissioner Innes said.
‘We look forward to seeing the rest of the law changes that will remove discrimination against same-sex couples in other areas.’
The Government expects these and other changes to be implemented by mid-2009.