FJ at this stage same sex couple are not recognised - however, the budget this year (i think) stated that same sex couples would be recognised as partnered from, i believe, July 1, 2009. i think there is a period of time for same sex couples to register early next year. if they haven't after that time, they will be considered the same as any other marriage like relationship, and if a tip off is received, will be investigated, debts raised etc
previously, same sex couples were not recognised as living in a marriage like relationship in any way
Yep, I have already told Centrelink about Shel and I, we had a social work meeting and all that. We are considered coupled from July next year, and I will happily give up my single parent payment when we are recognised as a couple.
I don't do it to rip off the government, just so people know , I do it because legally I am single so our expenses (like medical) are separate, we have separate Medicare Safety Net thing, so we have to pay twice as much as any other family before we hit the safety net limit, plus other things like the costs of having to go through court to get a parenting agreement so Shel is considered a legal guardian as legally she isn't my partner so has no rights when it comes to Jazz, and the extra money from the single parent payment covers the costs of me being seen as single.
wasn't having a dig Leash! i think it's fantastic that your relationship will actually be acknowledged by the government! i can see it being an issue for a lot of other couples that have BOTH been on PPS and max FTB for a loooooooooong time though... my cousin and her partner both had children and both got max rate of everything simply because there was no recognition...
Oooo, I didn't mean it to come off like that I didn't think either of you were having a dig I guess I get a bit defensive unconsciously because I've had to explain myself to so many people who think we're just trying to rip off the system and will keep doing it when the news laws are passed.
I am so happy we will be recognised, it actually brings me to tears I can't wait for the day when we can have our ceremony, register our relationship, and be seen as a family...
and I'm ashamed of some same-sex couples who would prefer more money than legal recognition.
Glad you didn't take offence Leash - was more tying to explain for others benefit but after i posted i thought "ooh, crap, did that come across as something i didn't mean it to be??"
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, I do it because legally I am single so our expenses (like medical) are separate, we have separate Medicare Safety Net thing, so we have to pay twice as much as any other family before we hit the safety net limit, plus other things like the costs of having to go through court to get a parenting agreement so Shel is considered a legal guardian as legally she isn't my partner so has no rights when it comes to Jazz, and the extra money from the single parent payment covers the costs of me being seen as single. 
I didn't think either of you were having a dig 
I guess I get a bit defensive unconsciously because I've had to explain myself to so many people who think we're just trying to rip off the system and will keep doing it when the news laws are passed.
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