Victorian register a success

Early indications show the newly introduced Victorian Relationship Register has proved successful, with 48 couples -œtying the knot since the scheme began in December.
The number equates to around five couples registering their relationship each week.

Since the Relationships Act 2008 came into effect, 73 applications for registration have been lodged, with 25 couples still waiting for the 28-day period to expire before registration.
Of the 48 couples who have already registered their relationship, 17 have been female couples, 28 male couples and three male-female couples.
Couples must lodge their application to register their relationship 28 days before the date of registration and can only register their relationship if they are not otherwise married or in a registered relationship and are over 18 years old.
The relationship register, which provides conclusive proof of a domestic relationship under Victorian law, may be taken up by Victorian residents only.
A spokeswoman from the Justice Department said the department placed no numerical expectations on the scheme, however, she said the figures had been encouraging.
When the scheme was launched, Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said it was important for those couples who cannot marry to have their relationship respected without having to -œargue repeatedly or have to prove they are in a committed partnership.
Victoria is one of the few states to offer definitive statewide relationship recognition, similar to schemes in Tasmania and the ACT.
According to the ACT Department of Justice and Community Services, 52 people have taken out civil partnerships since the scheme opened in May last year, which has -œexceeded expectations.
The ACT only expected around 15 couples to sign up per year.

info: The cost of applying to register a relationship in Victoria is $180.  Go to www.bdm.vic.gov.au.