Same sex changes to take effect today
Sunday March 15, 2009

Same sex changes to take effect today

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Previously passed same sex changes take effect today. The changes remove discrimination against same sex couples, although conversely mean that for same sex couples who have both been claiming Centrelink benefits, there will likely be a reduction in benefits, as their relationships are now recognised.

The changes include changes to Medicare, tax, Centrelink and immigration. They represent the carrying out of promises by the ALP before the last election. Altogether 84 pieces of legislation have been changed.

The list of huge changes is here.

Things to Read, Watch & Listen
How to Obtain a NSW Parentage Order for a Child Born Overseas

How to Obtain a NSW Parentage Order for a Child Born Overseas

Starting July 1, 2025, groundbreaking changes to New South Wales law will significantly affect families involved in overseas surrogacy arrangements. These changes empower the NSW Supreme Court to issue parentage orders for children born through commercial surrogacy overseas—a legal pathway previously unavailable.

Monash IVF Mixup Prompts Health Ministers Rapid Review of IVF Regulation

Monash IVF Mixup Prompts Health Ministers Rapid Review of IVF Regulation

In recent months, Australia’s fertility sector has been shaken by two unprecedented embryo mixups at Monash IVF clinics. These incidents have not only caused distress and confusion for affected families but have also exposed critical weaknesses in the country’s IVF regulatory framework.

Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) Human Tissue Review

Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) Human Tissue Review

Explore the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review on human tissue laws and what it means for IVF, surrogacy, and reproductive medicine. Learn about key legal changes and their implications for families and practitioners.

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