The more things change……..

The more things change……..

It was said that Kevin Rudd was Howard lite. However, one area in which there was a clear differentiation between the ALP and the Coalition was that with the exception of superannuation, Howard refused to implement the HREOC report that showed systematic discrimination at a Commonwealth level against same sex couples.

Labor said that it would. Now the Attorney- General Robert McClelland has signalled that he will identify the discriminatory pieces of legislation and introduce a bill to remove the discrimination. This approach has the bipartisan support of Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson. it appears now with Howard gone that the Opposition wants to move forward too.

Except for marriage- both major parties remain opposed to allowing same sex marriage or civil unions.

McClelland has now identified 100 pieces of legislation that discriminate…

One of those is no doubt the Judges Pensions Act. Justice Michael Kirby reportedly wrote to John Howard last year seeking to remove the discrimination that would prevent his partner Johan van Vloten from collecting a pension in case Justice Kirby died first.

Justice Kirby turns 70 in approximately one year,which is the statutory retirement age for Commonwealth judges. Let’s see if the Rudd Government can change the laws before then.

Things to Read, Watch & Listen

Forced Marriage

On November 1st 2023, Accredited Family Law Specialist and Page Provan Director Stephen Page presented a paper at the Brisbane Zonta Club about forced marriage. I acknowledge the Jagera and Turrbal peoples, on whose lands we meet today, their elders, past, present and emerging. Ruqia Hidari was aged 21 and living in Victoria, when, according to police,… Read More »Forced Marriage

ACT Government Surrogacy Bill

The ACT Government has today introduced a bill to amend the ACT’s surrogacy laws. The proposed changes are more incremental than fundamental. They include allowing a single person to undertake surrogacy, for the surrogate to be single if needed, a requirement for legal advice and counselling beforehand, a written agreement being required, that traditional surrogacy is… Read More »ACT Government Surrogacy Bill

Planning to resolve: ADR in ART

ADR can help resolve disputes in ART cases. ADR is not limited to mediation and arbitration. Other types of informal dispute resolution can resolve disputes. When assisted reproductive treatment cases go off the rails, they can have the next level of bitterness and volatility. There can be a keen sense of betrayal when things don’t… Read More »Planning to resolve: ADR in ART