ACT same sex saga: round 3

ACT same sex saga: round 3

Earlier this month, the ACT Legislative Assembly passed laws to allow for civil unions. This is the third time that it has gone down this path, this time on the initiative of the Greens with the support of the Labor government. The first time the then Howard Government vetoed the laws, then Rudd said that he would do the same.

Rudd has been reported, again, as saying that if the ceremony mimics that of marriage then the ALP will veto the legislation. It is likely that he will exercise the veto. This is despite both the Tasmanian and Victorian branches of the ALP calling for the Marriage Act to be amended to allow for same sex marriage, and the Victorian branch calling for the veto not to be exercised.

Request an Appointment
Fill in the form below to find out if you have a claim.
Request an Appointment - Stephen Page
Things to Read, Watch & Listen

How Are Debts Divided in Divorce? Australian Property Settlement Explained

When people separate, one of the most common questions is also one of the most misunderstood: what happens to the debts? Many people assume there must be a simple rule. Half each. Joint debts are shared. Personal debts stay personal. In Australian family law, it is not that straightforward. In a property settlement, debts are… Read More »How Are Debts Divided in Divorce? Australian Property Settlement Explained

Hague Surrogacy Convention Paused After 15 Years — What Went Wrong

After 15 years of work, the Hague Conference on Private International Law has paused its long-running project to create an international convention dealing with surrogacy and legal parentage. That is a significant development for anyone involved in cross-border surrogacy, assisted reproductive treatment, and international family law. The pause matters because international surrogacy does not stop… Read More »Hague Surrogacy Convention Paused After 15 Years — What Went Wrong

One Sperm Donor, 550 Children: Why Australia Needs Urgent Regulation

Private sperm donation is often marketed as simple, accessible and modern. In reality, it can create legal, ethical and deeply human problems on a staggering scale. Two recent overseas stories show exactly what can happen when sperm donation is left largely unchecked. In one case, a mother believed her child was the only child conceived… Read More »One Sperm Donor, 550 Children: Why Australia Needs Urgent Regulation

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award
Member of Queensland law society
Family law Practitioners Association
International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL
Mediator Standards Board