Liberals catch up on super
The Federal Government has promised to fix outstanding Commonwealth superannuation schemes to include same-sex couples if re-elected on 24 November.
Malcolm Turnbull made the announcement at a Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association dinner last night.
The commitment covers military, parliamentary, judicial and federal public servants on defined benefit schemes, extending the death benefits to nominated interdependent partners.
The Government first promised to recognise interdependent couples in Commonwealth superannuation schemes in 2004.
Labor’s Tanya Plibersek and Greens Senator Kerry Nettle reiterated their parties’ promises to fix all 58 areas of discrimination outlined by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission report Same-Sex: Same Entitlements.
Following the dinner, the announcement was criticised by Turnbull’s political opponents and the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby for ignoring the vast remaining areas of discrimination.
