Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a)

notes the appreciation of the gay and lesbian community of the recent passing of the same-sex law reforms;

(b)

recognises:

(i)

concerns raised by the gay and lesbian community that isolated and vulnerable members of the community may only become aware of these reforms after 30 March 2009 when Centrelink’s education campaign commences, and

(c)

calls on the Government to revisit the implementation of a 12-month transitional period to ensure individuals currently on a social security payment have sufficient time to readjust to the changes.

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—The government did not hide the fact that equal treatment could result in some same-sex couples having the benefits they currently receive reduced and that there would be winners and losers. That is why we put in place a long phase-in time—15 months—for those changes that adversely impact on the finances of same-sex couples. This allows time for same-sex couples to adjust to being treated the same as opposite-sex couples. The government is conscious of the need to allow couples an opportunity to adjust to the changes made by the reforms. Changes to social security and family assistance entitlements will not commence until 1 July 2009. This is to allow time for same-sex couples to adjust to being treated the same as opposite-sex couples. Centrelink has established a dedicated hotline for customers affected by the reforms to discuss their particular situation with a Centrelink service adviser. The hotline number is 136280. Centrelink social workers and financial information service officers will be available to assist people affected by these changes.

Question put:

That the motion (Senator Hanson-Young’s) be agreed to.