Nov 10, 2005

Tax Laws Amendment (Superannuation Contributions Splitting)

10 November 2005

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler) (10.26 am)—Mr Deputy Speaker, I wish to express very briefly some concern on behalf of many of my constituents that the superannuation contribution splitting does not apply to same-sex couples. The member for Riverina pointed out that the way that many families organise their workplace changes has changed substantially in recent times. Many stay-at-home men will benefit from this legislation as will stay-at-home women, but same-sex couples are excluded.

Given that same-sex relationships are recognised in the terrorism bills coming before the parliament this afternoon, I think the government really needs to be consistent with this legislation. It made substantial fanfare in suggesting that it was going to achieve equality for same-sex couples when it came to superannuation. This is yet another example of what it has said in fact not being the case. It is a flaw in this legislation which I would ask the minister to consider rectifying when this bill gets to the Senate.