Social Security reforms concerning same-sex couples claiming Centrelink benefits are now in place as of July 1.
More than 2,100 people have already declared their relationship to Centrelink, including 119 in Western Australia; however welfare rights groups are reporting that gay and lesbian couples are still confused and misinformed.
Both the Welfare Rights Network (NSW) and the NSW Community based GLBTI health organisation, ACON, will launch education campaigns about the changes to alleviate those concerns.
Welfare Rights Network president Maree O’Halloran said the numbers represent a relatively poor response.
‘Centrelink really needs to step up its education campaign,’ she said. ‘I’m not surprised by how few have declared their relationships, based on people’s calls to our centre. There’s a great deal of fear and confusion.
‘I’ve had a lot of older people who are in their 70s and have made retirement plans based on the fact that they were treated in this society as singles. Others are concerned the government might change, so while it might be okay to declare your relationship now, people who have been discriminated against in the past are fearful they might be the target of homophobia in the future.’
The Welfare Rights Network has released a fact sheet, Declaring Your Same-Sex Relationship to Centrelink, outlining who may be affected, how payments could change and investigation methods used by Centrelink to determine a couple’s status.
The campaign has been endorsed by the ACON-led Community Coalition, which also took steps this week to contact Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin and Human Services Minister Chris Bowen to push for an extension of health care cards for same-sex couples and request that a series of possible scenarios for same-sex couples be published in the Social Security Guide.
ACON committed itself to informing those affected, as part of their overall law reform education campaign which will start this week.
The $350,000 campaign will seek to help people understand the effects of the changes.
The Community Coalition has established an advisory board to develop and implement education strategies, including a comprehensive website, national advertising campaigns and a series of information sessions.
Australian Coalition for Equality president Corey Irlam was appointed national campaign officer to oversee the campaign and said that it would be key to use a variety of measures to inform the community.
The Declaring Your Same-Sex Relationship To Centrelink fact sheet can be viewed at www.acon.org.au/samesexlawreform
Information can also be found at the Centrelink hotline, 13 62 80 or their website www.australia.gov.au/samesexreforms
For advice, advocacy and assistance with Centrelink and Family Assistance issues, contact the Welfare Rights and Advocacy Service (WA) on 9328 1751 or www.wraswa.org.au
Ani Lamont, Sydney Star Observer and Amy Henderson
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