Same-sex reform takes effect in July

The Rudd Government’s reformed legislation passed in Parliament last year for same sex couples means de facto relationships and families will now be legally recognised.

This means entitlements can be left to children of same sex couples, as well as delivering long-awaited equality changes in tax, health, aged care, employment and social security.

Centrelink is advising people in same sex relationships to register with them from July 1. Bondi Junction’s Centrelink officer, Michelle Hodgkisson, said some customers may be eligible for payment for the first time as a result of these reforms.

“Young people who are studying may be eligible for Youth Allowance at an independent rate from July 1 if they have been living in a long-term same-sex relationship,” she said. “People may also become eligible for concessions if their partner is on an eligible Centrelink payment.”

Corey Irlam, spokesperson for the Australian Coalition for Equality, said the previous federal government had been unwilling to recognise gay and lesbian relationships under law.

“The Howard Government, who were in power for 12 years, had been approached over the years several times on the issue of same sex recognition and had rejected [it],” he said.

But while Irlam welcomes the changes, he says there are still concerns.

“It’s an improvement, but we’re concerned about the recognition of overseas registered relationships and grandfathered social security arrangements,” he said.

The Coalition for Equality would like to see more action against discrimination of people with gay, lesbian and transgender sexual orientation.

And Irlam said that while recognition of de facto couples was a step forward, the law needs to change to allow for same-sex marriage.

He hopes this issue will be up for discussion at the 2009 Australian Labor Party National Conference to be held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre from July 30 to August 1.

– BY SUSAN WOOD