The Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) has welcomed the recognition of same-sex couples and their children in the Federal Government’s newly released National Employment Standards. This will guarantee equal entitlement for same-sex couples to carer’s leave, bereavement leave and parental leave as well as rights in relation to flexible working arrangement for parents with children.

“It is encouraging to see the Rudd Labor Government incorporating the HREOC recommendations into the new National Employment Standards,” said GLRL Co-Convenor Emily Gray, “This will provide the vast majority of families in our community with greater financial and workplace security, ensuring that lesbians and gay men can take leave to care for their partners, children and other family members.”

The Federal Government initially omitted recognition of same-sex couples out of draft versions of the legislation pending further same-sex reforms, but later adopted the changes after submissions by various unions, NGOs and governmental bodies. Same-sex partners will be treated as members of each other's immediate family.

“We welcome the sincerity shown by the Rudd Government in getting on with the job of removing discrimination against same-sex couples and call on them to continue this process in any future legislation,” said Peter Johnson, GLRL Co-Convenor, “It’s time for the Coalition to stop delaying same-sex reforms and work with the government to remove discrimination against lesbians and gay men across Australia.”