In 2008, the Australian Government introduced reforms to ensure that same-sex de facto couples are entitled to the same benefits and subject to the same obligations as opposite-sex couples. Many of these changes will apply to couples who are ‘de facto partners’.

In 2008, the Commonwealth Government passed laws to recognise same-sex couples and their children. Commencing between January and July 2009, these changes include allowing same-sex families to receive the same Medicare and PBS entitlements as opposite-sex families and changes to the aged care income and assets tests.

In 2008, the Commonwealth Government passed laws to recognise same-sex couples. These included changes to Australia’s taxation and superannuation laws to give same-sex couples the same entitlements as opposite-sex couples.

In 2008, the Commonwealth Government passed laws to recognise same-sex couples. These included changes to social security legislation. From 1 July 2009, a person who is in a same-sex de facto relationship will be recognised as having a partner by Centrelink for social security and family assistance purposes.

In 2008, the Commonwealth Government passed laws to recognise same-sex couples. These included changes to Australia’s migration and citizenship rules to give same-sex couples and their children the same entitlements as opposite-sex couples. These changes commence between March and July 2009.

In 2008, the Commonwealth Government passed laws to recognise same-sex couples. These changes included the introduction of new legal avenues when relationships break down. From 1 March 2009, same-sex couples will be able to apply to one court to settle parenting and property disputes.