For the Aussies - RUDD GOVERNMENT WELCOMES SENATE PASSAGE OF DE FACTO REFORMS

[clikchic]

RUDD GOVERNMENT WELCOMES SENATE PASSAGE OF DE FACTO
REFORMS
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the passage through
the Senate of the Rudd Government’s landmark legislation enabling de facto
couples to access the federal family law courts on property and maintenance
matters.
“These reforms are long overdue. They will end current arrangements which
place a huge administrative and financial burden on separating de facto
couples,” Attorney-General Robert McClelland said.
“De facto couples have been waiting six years for the Commonwealth to accept
references of power from the States and Territories to simplify the laws and
provide greater protection.”
“Consistent with the Government’s policy, the legislation will not discriminate
between opposite-sex and same-sex de facto couples. Nothing in the legislation
will alter marriage laws.”
“The Rudd Government has acted swiftly to provide a simpler, less costly and
fairer regime for de facto couples across Australia, honouring its election
commitment.”
The legislation will now return to the House for approval.


Shame about the marriage part, but a good step in the right direction.

[Gina.Maria]

Not an Aussie, here, but does that mean, essentially, that gay couples can form a civil union? Or is it more akin to our "Common" law in the U.S. whereby, in some states, cohabitation for a specified period results in de facto marriage?

[clikchic]

It is more akin to your common law I think, there used to be a specified period but I am not sure how long that was or is now. I think it brings the rights for defacto couples, more in line with married couples, whether gay or hetro.

[Gina.Maria]

Hmm. So that leaves couples to define their relationship on their own? No official sanction? How are benefits and rights applied in such a loose relationship?