Pensioner relief from concession card -œouting
The Government has made good on an undertaking to allow concession cardholders to choose whether their partner’s name appears on their Centrelink concession cards.
The names of both partners will now be optional for those on the pension. The provision is an attempt to soften the blow for same-sex couples on Centrelink having to declare their relationships by July 1.
Gay and lesbian rights lobbyists have raised fears many elderly people on the pension would be unfairly positioned if, having lived in a closeted relationship all their life, they were suddenly forced to include the name of their same-sex partner on their pension card.
When launching the new Centrelink Couples are Couples advertisements last month, Minister for Human Services Senator Joe Ludwig announced changes to Centrelink concession cards.
From July, any customer who would like a concession card reissued without their partner’s details will be able to do so, he said.
Both cards will remain valid and can be used by the customers as they choose.
info: For more about the same-sex reforms Centrelink customers can visit centrelink.gov.au or call 13 6280.
Sorry Kevin Rudd my relationship details will stay with me and me only – NO DISCOSURE, NO COMING OUT – UNTIL WE HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO MARRY!!!!!
A couple who are renting will also have a reduction in their rental assistance, the amount depending on their benefits and the amount of rent they are currently paying. I am aware of a couple in Darwin who stand to have their income reduced by at least $250 per fortnight, which for two pensioners is quite a drop in a rising rental market. They will also need to pay for breaking their rental contract and moving. Their loss of income combined with the cost of the subsequent changes to their situation is substantial.
Bottom Line Nathon the $$$$$ 200 less a fortnight.
Hi,
(a similar comment to this was published in another article)
I am a media student from the University of Sydney and I would like to find someone who is able to comment about how these changes affected themselves and their partner. I am concerned as to what the views of the community is on this issue, whether they see it as rights bundled with responsibilities or whether they see it as too much to ask in too little time. I can be contacted at [email protected] and I would be happy from thereon to arrange a phone or personal interview if necessary.
Will there be “Couples are couples” advertisements in mainstream newspapers? You know not everyone reads the gay rags. Unless the Government pays for some mainstream ads in papers, radio, television etc, then how can they say that they are reaching everyone who’s being affected by these changes. Considering how vulnerable these changes put elderly G&L community members, I’d like to think we get some added education to the mainstream community that “couples” really are “couples”…..
Editor’s note: Couples are Couples advertisements have been seen in mainstream publications and on mainstream media websites.