Following the Australian Human Rights Commission’s report, Same-Sex: Same Entitlements, the Australian Government introduced reforms in 2008 to remove discrimination against same-sex couples and their children in Commonwealth law.

An exciting opportunity has opened up at the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby. We are looking for a Policy and Development Coordinator to undertake political campaigning, coordinate our organisational development, prepare policy advice and drive Lobby communications strategies.

Relationship and Parenting Rights Q&A

Jenni Millbank is a Barrister and Professor of Law at the University of Technology, Sydney. Jenni has an extensive background in family law and same-sex relationship recognition. She can answer your questions on relationship rights, property matters and parenting issues.

Questions answered this month:

• Will we be considered 'partnered' for social security purposes when the same-sex reforms commence on 1 July 2009, if we are  a couple that maintains separate finances?
• If I have not registered my relationship or entered a civil partnership/marriage, how do I prove my relationship for migration purposes? We have lease records showing shared expenses as well as a partnership certification from our workplace.

After a historic debate in NSW Parliament, in June 2008 the Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby finally broke the stalemate on parenting reforms in NSW.

The Miscellaneous Acts Amendment (Same Sex Relationships) Act 2008 provides equal parenting rights to co-mothers of children born through assisted reproduction and allows both mums to be listed on their child's birth certificate.