ARTICLE · 11 DECEMBER 2008

Same Sex Relationships – Changes To Commonwealth Superannuation Funds

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The Same Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws – Superannuation) Bill 2008 has passed the Senate with amendments and has been remitted to the House of Representatives.

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Andrew McCormack

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The Same Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws – Superannuation) Bill 2008 has passed the Senate with amendments and has been remitted to the House of Representatives.

This Bill is part of a suite of new legislation introduced by Federal Attorney-General Robert McLelland to equalise rights between married and same sex couples and children of those relationships. It will enable them to access superannuation benefits after a member of a superannuation fund dies.

The Bill, whilst considered by some to be controversial, allows for equal treatment of members of Commonwealth superannuation schemes where they are in a same sex relationship.

The Bill amends Commonwealth superannuation schemes, including:

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