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Same Sex: Same Entitlements

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Sydney 2017 Gay Lesbian Mardi Gras marcher with huge heart prop. Photo Matthew Syres

Same Sex: Same Entitlements

Same-sex reforms are now in place

In the Same-Sex: Same Entitlements report (see below) the Commission recommended that the Australian Government amend laws which discriminate against same-sex couples and their children in the area of financial and work-related entitlements and benefits. Following the report, at the end of 2008, the Australian Government amended 84 laws which discriminate against same-sex couples in a wide range of areas including taxation, social security, employment, Medicare, veteran's affairs, superannuation, worker's compensation and family law. The Commission welcomed these reforms (see the Commission’s media release dated 27 November 2008.)

Some of the laws commenced immediately while others commenced on 1 July 2009. As the changes may impact significantly on financial and other aspects of the lives of same-sex couples and their children, the Commission recommends that same-sex couples seek more information about the details of the reforms. An overview of the reforms can be found on the Attorney-General’s Department website. The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby also has detailed information on their website.

While many of the laws impact positively on the financial position of same-sex couples, in the area of social security reform there have been some negative impacts of the removal of discriminatory provisions since the reforms commenced on 1 July 2009. Graeme Innes, when he was the Human Rights Commissioner, expressed his concern to the federal Attorney-General about the negative impact of social security reforms on older persons in particular. More information from Centrelink about the social security reforms can be found on www.centrelink.gov.au. The Welfare Rights Centre also has a factsheet on its website about the social security changes.

National Inquiry into Discrimination against People in Same-Sex Relationships: Financial and Work-Related Entitlements and Benefits

The final report of the Same-Sex: Same Entitlements Inquiry was tabled in Parliament on 21 June 2007.

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2006 Hearings and Forums

Submissions

Discussion and Research Papers

Discussion Paper II (September 2006)

Research Paper (September 2006)

Discussion Paper (April 2006)

Terms of Reference

Other documents

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