From July 1, couples will be required to tell Centrelink if they are in a same sex relationship and may have their payments adjusted accordingly.
GLBTIQ activists from many different community groups have expressed outrage by the planned changes, and have called on the government to ensure that a ‘grandfather’ clause is included in the changes.
Graham Douglas-Meyer of GRAI (GLBTI Retirement Association Incorporated) called the changes a ‘train-wreck’ saying they will ‘ruin lives both young and old,’ while Sandra Hall of COAL (Coalition of Activist Lesbians) has been quoted as saying, ‘The changes have come too suddenly for lesbians to plan or rearrange their long-term finances and housing.’
A grandfather clause would protect people who are currently claiming an old age pension (or other benefit), and allow the changes to be phased in slowly.
A spokesperson for the Attorney-General Robert McClelland has issued a statement in response to calls for a grandfather clause:
“The Government did not hide the fact that there would be winners and losers from the implementation of this legislation. That is why we put in place a long phase-in time for those changes that adversely impacted on the finances of same-sex couples. When the reforms in this area begin in July, it will have been 15 months since the Government announced its intention to end discrimination against same-sex couples.
“Further, unlike previous reforms, this impacts on all social security and health programs. To isolate one aspect of the changes for grandfathering would result in inconsistencies in the recognition of a same-sex relationship in other social security and health programs.
“There are provisions available in social security law to assist a member of a couple in exceptional circumstances. Whether a member of a same-sex couple is eligible to the relief provided by these provisions will depend on that person’s individual circumstances.”
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