[Updated] Centrelink Payments for Same-sex Couples

From 1st July 2009, same-sex couples will be recognised by Centrelink for all payments, including the Age Pension and Disability Support Pension.  People in a same-sex relationship, currently assessed as single, are being asked to declare their relationship to Centrelink and will then be assessed on their joint income.   This may mean a reduction in payments for some people and possible loss of concession card.

QAHC has written to the Prime Minister, as well as a range of other politicians about our concerns.  Feel free to write your own letter using ours as a guide.  QAHC Letter.

QAHC is also part of a national coalition of organisations who are lobbying to have those aged over 55 and already in receipt of Centrelink payments to be excluded from this change, or for those under 55 years to have a year to organise their finances appropriately.  This type of protection or 'grandfathering' has been introduced in the past for all other groups affected by Centrelink changes, but not LGBT people.

To read more about the campaign and our position read the summary or the full document.

Update May 2009

There has been some progress on making the implementation of the new arrangements less harsh, although no "grandfathering" for exisiting pension recipients.

• Letter from Governmnet in response to lobbying - read here.
• Comparison of what government has committed to in writing, verbally against what we asked for - read here.
• Announcement of funding for an education campaign on all areas of same sex law reform and individual advice for Centrelink changes - read here.

For further information contact Paul Martin, QAHC General Manager on 3017 1791 or pmartin@qahc.org.au

Same Sex: Same Entitlements

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission (HREOC) has recently concluded an inquiry into federal entitlements for same sex couples. See http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/samesex/report/index.html

QAHC provided a submission to the inquiry with ARCQ (Action Reform Change Queensland), available here.

Age of Consent

Queensland still has an unequal age of consent for anal sex (18 years) compared to 16 years for other types of sex. This law particularly affects young gay men, effectively criminalising them. Learn more on this extensive website by activist John Frame.