The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) has called on the federal government to proceed with further reform of superannuation law, so that lesbians and gay men covered under public schemes are recognised in the same way as same-sex couples in private super funds.

Lesbians and Gay men covered under federal government, public sector and defence super schemes continue to face the possibility that their partners would not be eligible for beneficiary benefits should they die.

In 2004 the federal government amended legislation that governed private super schemes so that same-sex couples would be eligible to gain superannuation benefits on the death of their partner, provided they could prove that they were in an “interdependent relationship”.

They did not amend legislation for public super funds, but the then Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Sen. Helen Coonan indicated that they intended to do so.

Last week the Government released regulations which further defined an “interdependent relationship” for the purpose of private super, but have not stated when they intend to introduce changes that will recognise same-sex couples under public sector funds.

David Scamell, co-convenor said “ It has almost been a year since private super funds were amended to recognise same-sex couples. It is time for the Federal government to deliver on its policy to recognise interdependent relationships in all areas of superannuation”.

He added: “ When the Lobby spoke to the Department of Finance this week we were told that a review of the public super legislation had been conducted, and it was now in the hands of the government to carry out the necessary reform. We call on the government to introduce legislation into parliament which will recognise same-sex couples under public sector superannuation”.

Julie McConnell commented: “ People should contact the Minister for Finance and Administration, Sen. Nick Minchin and the Minister for Defence, Sen. Robert Hill and tell them that same-sex couples deserve to be recognised in all areas of superannuation”.