30 April 2008
RUDD GOVERNMENT MOVES ON SAME-SEX DISCRIMINATION
Legislation to remove same-sex discrimination from a wide range of Commonwealth laws will be introduced in the Winter Sittings of Parliament, Attorney-General Robert McClelland said today.
“The Rudd Government is delivering on its election commitment to remove discrimination against people in same-sex relationships from a wide range of Commonwealth laws and programs,” Mr McClelland said.
This long-overdue reform follows the landmark report of HREOC, Same-Sex: Same Entitlements, which focussed on financial and work-related legislation. On coming to office, the Rudd Government commissioned an audit of Commonwealth laws, which identified other areas of discrimination.
“The changes will provide for equality of treatment under a wide range of Commonwealth laws between same-sex and opposite-sex de facto couples. Importantly the reforms will also ensure children are not disadvantaged because of the structure of their family,” Mr McClelland said.
Areas where discrimination will be removed include tax, superannuation, social security, health, aged care, veterans’ entitlements, workers’ compensation, employment entitlements, and other areas of Commonwealth administration.
The Rudd Government will begin introducing legislation in the Winter Sittings of Parliament. Most reforms will commence soon after the legislation is passed. In some areas (such as social security, tax and veterans’ affairs), the reforms will be phased-in to allow time for couples to adjust their finances, and for administrative arrangements to be implemented. All of the changes are expected to be implemented by mid-2009.
“In keeping with the election commitment, the changes do not alter marriage laws. They will make a practical difference to the everyday lives of a group of our fellow Australians who have suffered discrimination under Commonwealth laws for far too long,” Mr McClelland said.
Media Contact: Adam Sims 02 6277 7300 / 0419 480 224