Centrelink hotline opens
Welfare and family payment recipients now have a number to call to find out if they need to tell the Government about their same-sex relationships.
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, said Centrelink, Medicare Australia and the Child Support Agency are rolling out the changes which will enable same-sex couples and their children to be recognised equally by Commonwealth law.
We have set up the hotline to make sure people who are members of a same sex couple have the chance to talk to Centrelink about the changes which take effect from next July, Senator Ludwig said.
We know from talking to the community that clear, easily accessible information about the changes is a vital part of the implementation. That’s why we have established this phone line.
Senator Ludwig said the historic legislation will remove same-sex discrimination from a wide range of Commonwealth laws.
The Rudd Government is delivering on its election commitment to provide equality of treatment between same-sex and opposite-sex de facto couples, he said.
From 1 July 2009, same-sex de facto couples and their children will be able to register as a family for the purposes of the Medicare Safety Net.
They will also be able to access the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as a family. This will provide real benefits and recognition for these families.
Changes to Child Support legislation will recognise new parentage laws for same-sex couples. Where same-sex couples separate, they will be able to apply for child support -“ just like other families.
The agencies in my portfolio will communicate details of the changes to their customers over the coming months.
People will be able to tell Centrelink about their relationship status from 30 March 2009, by phone, or in person at a Centrelink Customer Service Centre.
These changes will affect a range of Government services and entitlements. For more information visit the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department.
Centrelink customers can call the hotline on 13 62 80 for additional information about how the changes will be affect them.
I called the hotline yesterday, they still have nfi about how it all works.
I called the hotline, they had trouble finding answers to my questions.
Definitely should have been a grandfather clause.
I was one of the people who suffered from society’s wrath back in the 60’s.
Breakdowns, aversion therapy,all that. “Homosexuality was a symptom of a deep rooted psychological problem” i was told by the shrinks.
Older people just need time to adjust. The thought of dealing with Centrelink fills me with dread, my partner just retired and i am on a DSP. I agree with legislation to give equal rights though. Thanks to Rudd Govt.
Not good enough, a hotline to call and be forced out at the age of 80 or 90?
People of that age need someone they can talk to who is COMPLETELY independent of Centrelink or government. someone who can talk on their behalf with welfare rights, aged advocacy services and other organisations, and convey info to them and then move forward WITH them, in safety and with some sense of control. someone who is gay.
It’s about time Kevin, Justine, Joe and Jenny.
It’s about time Senators Brown, Pratt and Wong, speak up and do right by your elders.
Anything else is adding insult to injury after the mess that has been created as a result of not grandfathering and protecting the elderly.
A community is measured by how it treats its elderly. Get this wrong and we are all condemned.
woo hoo!!!, that’s one down, now for the other steps!!!