Ire over budget’s broken promise

Ire over budget’s broken promise

In a federal budget that had something for everyone, gay and lesbian families again missed out on the allocations they were promised and entitled to, according to rights activists.

Leading up to Tuesday’s announcement, there was speculation among community groups that reforms to bring financial equality to gay, lesbian and interdependent relationships would be included.

Former Democrats senator Brian Greig said the government gave a clear undertaking to reform public sector superannuation laws to allow same-sex couples to be treated equally.

Greig said the commitment was made during negotiations with the Democrats over private sector superannuation reforms in 2004 and sits on public record in Hansard.

They swore -˜as soon as possible’, yet here we are and they’ve reneged on that promise, Greig said.

Ghassan Kassisieh, spokesperson for the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, said it was disappointing that gay and lesbian families were excluded once again when the government was willing to spend $70 billion on election sweeteners.

They expect us to pay equal tax, yet not treat us fairly in return. It’s even more unfair to say it’ll cost too much because clearly they’re willing to spend the money when it suits them, he said.

Attorney-general Philip Ruddock’s comments that some gay and lesbian families may not want reforms because they could end up financially worse off was insulting.

It’s an insult to the fundamental human dignity of our families. His comments are just a cover for the fact this government doesn’t believe we’re worth spending money on.

Kassisieh said despite fantastic advocates within the party, it seems doubtful that any reforms will take place during the term of this government.

After the HREOC report into federal discrimination against same-sex couples is released they’ll have nowhere to hide -“ previous reforms haven’t kept up with the need for equality.

Responding to the Lobby’s concerns, Ruddock’s office said a responsible government cannot make broad changes with significant budgetary impact without considering all the issues.

In the interview with The Australian, the attorney-general was pointing out that these are complex issues and that it would not be safe to assume that all people have exactly the same view on all aspects of this matter, a spokesperson said.

Long-time activist Rodney Croome said he understood a small change was made to superannuation laws to allow those on the public scheme to switch to a private scheme and take advantage of interdependency options.

It’s a small step that may assist some people but is not nearly enough. The government has still been caught out in a lie over their 2004 promise, Croome said.

Meanwhile, the HIV/AIDS sector has welcome confirmation of a $9.8 million television campaign, which received funding in this year’s budget.

The national television campaign, the first in over a decade, will be primarily targeting homosexually active men as those most at risk of infection as well as young people in schools.

Don Baxter, executive director of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, said that while the material conveyed through gay-specific media was good, some gay men relied only on mainstream media.

Baxter said the campaign was timely with national HIV infections having risen by 41 percent in the last five years.

A sophisticated, well-targeted campaign that spoke directly to gay men was needed, Baxter said, adding that AFAO was looking forward to working with health minister Tony Abbott to ensure the messages were appropriate.

Top adviser on AIDS to the government, Michael Wooldridge, had previously said a national television campaign would not resemble the Grim Reaper campaign of 20 years ago.

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